I got a call from a prospective vendor the other day. That happens all the time, but this one was different. This one was compelling. The vendor? A massage therapist, pitching the workplace benefits of some shoulder and back-rubbing to our team members. You've likely received a similar call.
The HR guy and pilgrim in me automatically goes old school when it comes to massage in the workplace. Hands on bodies, "deep shoulder massage", etc. Doesn't it sound like a lawsuit waiting to happen? Heck, I'm worried about the impact of those team members, who would actually take the massage, describing it to those who won't let anyone touch them. "Yeah, I told Helga that my shoulders were really tight from coding all night, and..."
Seriously, is it really a jump that the mere description of what ensued could make a fellow pilgrim uncomfortable?
Let's assume that I come full circle and realize that massage is OK. It was a voice mail rather than an interactive conversation, so I couldn't help but notice, as far as this particular shoulder-rubber was concerned, there was something different. She had a gravelly voice, but not in the Demi Moore type of way. More like a Marge Simpson sister type of way. Rough and tumble communication skills.
The moral? The message matters when it comes to selling shoulder-rubbing to employers. It's got to sound energetic and healthy, or I'm going to ask two questions:
1. How big are your hands? I don't want my team to get freaked out.
2. Do you bring your own ashtray or do I have to provide that for you?
Enjoy the video and your Friday, and remember, when it comes to shoulder-rubbing, quality matters. So do the size of the hands.
Priceless visuals. That aside, a great lesson in communications - not what you say, but how you say it!
Posted by: Mike Brennan | June 19, 2009 at 01:55 PM
We need to quit sharing a brain. I post Ned Flandes, you do Selma and Patty.
It's like we're cut from the same cloth!
Posted by: Laurie Ruettimann | June 19, 2009 at 03:09 PM
Flanders.
Posted by: Laurie Ruettimann | June 19, 2009 at 03:10 PM
As a licensed massage therapist I have been solicited myself by busness owners to come in and do coperate massage. Every event has been successful for both the clients and myself. I have only gained a few personal clients through this but the morale of the workers was greatly improved by my visit. Don't be scared to consider it as a way to boost morale or award good behavior its much more effective and healthy then cake and pizza!
Posted by: Christina | June 24, 2009 at 08:31 AM