You Never Look Good Making Someone Else Look Bad Chris Conidis

You Never Look Good Making Someone Else Look Bad

Chris Conidis

There’s an old saying that goes, “You never look good making someone else look bad.” It’s a simple adage, yet one that can be surprisingly difficult to embody, especially when it comes to the high stakes of personal and professional relationships. Whether in the workplace, social circles, or even on the grand stage of social media, the temptation to put others down for a momentary boost to one’s own reputation can be overwhelming. But as we all too well, the real power lies in lifting others up and improving yourself through positivity and genuine support.Simple? Sure. Easy? About as easy as explaining quantum mechanics to a toddler while juggling flaming torches. In a world where professional rivalries, social media one-upmanship, and passive-aggressive commentaries thrive like weeds in a garden, resisting the urge to dim someone else's light for a cheap spotlight moment feels almost heroic. Yet, as I’ve learned, the true flex—the mic drop—is lifting others up while being unapologetically, hilariously yourself.

Understanding the Temptation

The urge to undermine others is often rooted in insecurity. When people feel unsure about their place in the world or their own abilities, they might resort to sarcasm, critique, or competitive antics in an attempt to appear superior. This can be especially true in industries where reputation is everything and achievements are amplified, such as in art, entertainment, and corporate spaces. Conidis, who has built a reputation as a writer, performer, teacher, and creative mind, has firsthand experience navigating these dynamics.

“It's easy to make a scene or be the loudest voice in the room,” Conidis says. “But what are you really achieving? There’s no substance in trying to look powerful by knocking someone else down.”

The Charm of Authenticity (and a Good Improv Skit)

What sets Conidis apart isn’t just his creative talent; it’s his charisma. This isn’t the “I’m-so-charming-I-could-sell-ice-to-an-eskimo” kind of charm. It’s genuine—like a friend who laughs with you when you trip over your own feet, but also helps you up, says, “Nice move, gymnast,” and immediately launches into an impromptu performance of the floor is lava. His approach? Build people up, laugh at the absurdities of life, and never take yourself too seriously.

Conidis isn’t shy about weaving improv into his interactions. “You know what’s funnier than mocking someone’s idea?” he says with a wink. “Adding a weird twist to it and making everyone laugh together. Like, ‘Yes, that was the plot twist in your story, and yes, it was a complete rip-off of The Godfather, but let’s make a musical version of it called The Pasta Don.’”

Improv

Let’s be real—humor has its place in human connection, and there are definitely times when a joke can go too far. Conidis recalls one time when he was a guest at a gathering where the conversation turned into an unplanned roast session. He chimed in, humorously. “We all know the best way to make yourself look good is to put others down. Like that one guy who said, ‘I’m the funny one here,’ right after I told a joke that fell flatter than an overcooked pancake. But you know what? He’s still here, and I’m still here, and we both left the party with exactly the same number of followers. Zero. Because we were never invited to begin with.”

When asked how to be funny without hurting feelings, Conidis sums it up, “Comedy is about taking the mundane and making it extraordinary, not using it as a means to deflate someone else’s balloon. Don’t be the guy who tells the ‘My coworker is such a tool’ joke at the company holiday party. Be the guy who makes the holiday party unforgettable for the right reasons. Like the guy who put googly eyes on the punch bowl. You’ll be known for that, not the ‘I roast people to seem cooler’ act.”

The Ripple Effect

The impact of a kind word, a show of support, or a moment of encouragement can go much further than we often realize. When Conidis offers a word of advice to a fellow artist or helps a team member at work with a challenge, it sets in motion a chain reaction of goodwill. People remember kindness and genuine effort, even when the results aren't immediately visible.

“I know people who could have made it big if they weren’t so focused on trying to make others look small,” Conidis shares. “But their reputations didn’t stand the test of time. It's not just about being liked; it's about being respected. And respect comes from actions that build, not actions that tear down.”

The Power of a Well-Timed Improv

In moments where you could jump in with a zinger that puts someone down, try flipping the script. Take a cue from improv comedy, which thrives on Yes, and…—a philosophy that embraces ideas, expands them, and makes everyone part of the performance. When Conidis practices this in everyday interactions, it’s not just funny; it’s uplifting. A moment when someone stumbles through an idea can turn into a playful, “Okay, so what if we made that the plot of Star Wars but with a giant goat as the hero?”—a joke that no one forgets, especially the person who had the original idea.

Practical Ways to Be the Funny One Without the Burn

1. Punch Up, Not Down: If you’re going to make a joke, make it about a universally relatable topic or something that doesn’t single out someone’s insecurities. Like, “My coffee was so strong this morning it tried to negotiate a better salary.” That kind of humor gets people on your side.?

2. Self-Deprecation with Style: It’s fine to laugh at yourself. People like seeing you human, as long as you’re not overdoing it. Think, “I tried to use the self-checkout and accidentally gave the scanner an existential crisis.” That’ll get a chuckle without the sting of putting someone else down.?

3. Turn Awkward Situations Into Comedy Gold: Miss a meeting? Make a joke about it. “My alarm clock was in on the ‘let’s not go to work today’ plan, and I’m not the type to say no to peer pressure.”?

4. Be the Champion of “Yes, And…”: When someone shares an idea, build on it rather than tearing it apart. Even if it’s outlandish, “Yes, and…let’s make it a heist movie where the villain’s only weapon is an endless bag of rubber chickens.” You’d be surprised how many new inside jokes come from this.?

The Lasting Power of Integrity

In an age where “influencers” dominate social spaces, the genuine act of treating others with kindness and respect can be both revolutionary and timeless. Chris Conidis, through his work and interactions, embodies this lesson every day. As he puts it: “True greatness comes not from standing on the shoulders of others to make yourself taller, but from helping those around you stand up taller with you.”

So, the next time you face a moment where the choice is between lifting someone up or knocking them down for a fleeting sense of power, remember this: You never look good making someone else look bad. But you’ll always shine brighter when you help others shine too.

How to Stay Above the Fray

If you find yourself tempted to make someone else look bad, pause. Ask yourself: “Am I adding value to this moment, or am I just trying to feel better at someone else’s expense?” It’s a tough question, but an important one.

Instead, focus on humor that uplifts, critiques that inspire, and interactions that leave people better than you found them. It’s not just about being liked; it’s about being respected—and respect is earned through actions that build, not destroy.

Remember: the best way to shine isn’t by dimming someone else’s light. It’s by standing confidently in your own, while helping those around you shine just as brightly. And hey, if you can make someone laugh without making someone else cry? That’s a win for everyone.