Mission accomplishment Published May 5, 2009 By Capt. Phyllis J. Pelky 18th Wing Equal Opportunity director KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- "Why did the skeleton NOT cross the road?" Laughter is a great stress relief and keeps morale high. But when jokes become unprofessional, it can tear down morale and make work an uncomfortable place. So, how do you know if you are helping or hurting? Know Air Force policy and follow it. Many jokes are built on a stereotype about a group of people. Derogatory jokes and comments based on race, color, sex, religion or national origin are considered unlawful discrimination, and can be subject to Uniform Code of Military Justice action. Make sure when you are having a laugh at work, you are not tearing down people or groups of people. "Aww ... it takes all the fun out of work." If you can only laugh while making unprofessional jokes and comments, you are missing out. It's time to sharpen your creativity. Brainstorm ways to have fun and still be professional. "No one is offended. " How do you know? No one may seem to be offended, but it is difficult to gauge. They may be laughing along to try and fit in. Or they may try to tolerate the jokes, but find after awhile it is too much. In an unprofessional environment, it is very difficult to be the person who speaks up. Don't force your coworkers to have to choose between fitting in and working in a professional environment. Be the leader who creates the climate that people want to work in. "It's just harmless fun." It may seem harmless now, but what goes unseen is the escalation required for shock value. Studies show that if crude jokes are tolerated in an environment, it becomes the new norm, and more outrageous statements are needed. As each level is tolerated, the workplace environment becomes increasingly hostile, even to the level of violence. Long before violence, however, harm can be done to individuals in the work center, the morale of the section and even the effectiveness and safety of an area. Make the mission happen by contributing to an efficient, smooth-running section that allows professionals the chance to excel. "There weren't any girls in the room." This is a common misperception. Yes, males can be offended by sexist and sexual jokes. Females can be offended by sexist and sexual jokes that make fun of males. The same goes for race, color, religion or national origin. Just because there is no one from that category in the room, does not make the joke or comment acceptable. It's still unprofessional and reflects poorly on the person making the comments. That, in turn, reflects poorly on the work center, unit and Air Force. In an overseas environment, it reflects poorly on all Americans. Keep it clean, fair and professional. "But I'm that race, color, sex, religion or from that country." This is another misperception. Joking about yourself is one thing. Speaking for all people who share a category with you is another. Don't perpetuate stereotypes, even ones about your own groups. Allow each individual to show their own strengths and abilities. "That's just how we communicate." Okay, so it's difficult to break habits once they have been established. You might even find you have trouble not thinking in terms of the stereotypes you are familiar with. But it can, and must, be done in order to respect your coworkers, to have a positive environment and to avoid disciplinary action. Don't allow bad habits to chip away at your professionalism and harm your work climate. Train your mind to find appropriate topics to share a laugh on the job. You are in control of your thoughts and actions; take charge! Be a leader! The mission is accomplished when we enjoy coming to work and do what needs to be done. The environment can be both fun and professional; lead the way. The skeleton didn't cross the road, because he didn't have the guts to do it. Don't be like the skeleton. Have fun at work and have the guts to insist on a professional environment.