The most popular workplace jokes often revolve around repetition.  "Another day, another dollar."  But there's a reason for this.  Life, believe it or not, is not all that interesting.  As much as it will pain you to accept (and you'll fight it!) there are a pre-determined number of ways we can react to situations.  Yes, you are NOT unique.

All of us have scripts, games and tapes we play on a daily basis - especially at work.  Learn more at this previous post.

Today I want to look at two games I tend to come across quite a bit.

See What You Made Me Do!                                     
You're working on a presentation and are under a tight deadline.  A work colleague stops by your desk and asks you if you want to order lunch.  This interruption "causes" you to make a "typo" or lose your train of thought.

"ARGH!" you proclaim.

"SEE WHAT YOU MADE ME DO!"

This type of reaction from an individual has a tendency to repeat - until people realize they should stay away from the individual in order not to "distract" them.

Of course the "slip" is not your co-workers fault - and the person loves blaming others. The reason we all play this game is simple: vindication. You avoid responsibility and it gets you off the hook.  People who play this game too often might find themselves without any lunch pals.

"LOOK HOW HARD I WAS TRYING"

There are three variations of this game.

1st Degree: Imagine a colleague at work announces that they have been diagnosed with some sort of illness - but they say they'll continue to work - without any change in productivity.  This likely will have your colleagues admiring your fortitude.

2nd Degree: A colleague is diagnosed with an illness but remains silent about it.  Eventually, they collapse at their desk, proclaiming "Look How Hard I Was Trying."  It's a person looking for love but results in guilt.

3rd Degree: A colleague is diagnosed with an illness, continues to work and doesn't tell a soul - not even their family.  This is the ultimate slap in the face to those you love and respect because they never had a fighting chance to help you.

There's dozens of others I'll share in later posts - so please subscribe now.  For now, just recognize these games.  In yourself.  In others.  And do what you can to break the pattern! We have a full week of work ahead - so why not make it a little different!  ;-)