The young CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) was in the breakroom enjoying a cold soda with crushed ice when she heard her name over the intercom.

“Lori Porter, please come to the front office!” squeaked out of the overhead speakers.

“Oh jheez; what now?” thought Lori as she swallowed a swig of her soda and turned to a co-worker, an older nurse eating a Lean Cuisine. “Every time I turn around they are telling me I did something wrong!”

The nurse, a fifteen year veteran at the center asked; “Lori, how long have you been here?”

Lori said, “honey, I have been here six months and it has been the longest six months of my life!”The nurse responded; “well, I’ve been here over fifteen years and, honey, your time here has been the longest six months of my life too!”

How are you spending your time?  Are you using your sense of humor to make moments go faster– or are you making them drag?

The “beneficial twist” of this Humor example through the use of sarcasm is the ability to deliver an unvarnished truth in a provocative way.  One of the main reasons things are funny is because they are true.  TA natural humorous situation is much more beneficial than an orchestrated and artificial joke.

I am considered a funny guy; I was a successful stand up comedian– here is a confession.  I CAN NOT TELL A JOKE TO SAVE MY LIFE!

The benefit of using Humor to deliver a truth is that our defenses are reduced and our “attack mode” is put on hold momentarily.   It is this brief window of opportunity, this “moment in time” that makes all the difference.

How are you using your moments?  How are you using these e-Ha! Moments?

Time is Relative; make every moment count.

* * *

This is my re-telling of Lori Porter’s story; I had the pleasure of hearing Lori speak in Washington D.C. at the Pioneer Networks “A Call to Action” in August.

Lori is an amazing person and an amazing speaker!  This story is her example of a defining moment in her career– a “defining moment” in a career that led to a new attituded and the founding of the National Association of HealthCare Assistants (NAHCA).

It is my honor and distinct pleasure to be scheduled as the Keynote Speaker for the NAHCA’s Annual Convention in Kansas City this September where I will be sharing “When Generations Collide Care Suffers!” to CNA’s and there co-workers from all over the Nation!

Lon Kieffer, author of “Get Out of Bed and Go to Work!”, Speaker, Consultant and expert on Workplace Culture Change and Generational Conflicts, gives seminars, keynote and plenary addresses, runs annual sales meetings, and provides Common Sense Consulting at:  www.LonKieffer.com. He can be reached at               (302) 462-6748        or via e-mail to Lon@LonKieffer.com