How Initiation, Status Rituals, and Practical Jokes Shape Belonging and Loyalty

Belonging isn’t just about showing up; it’s built and tested through rituals, jokes, and sometimes pranks. At Salomon Brothers, the language of practical jokes—'goofs'—was its own social currency. Getting 'goofed' was a rite of passage, marking you as one of the group (sometimes in ways that stung). Bring back the wrong lunch, fall for the prank, weep over a fake scandal—these stories circled the trading floor and were retold for years. Some rituals bonded people, teaching resilience and quick wit. Others crossed lines, landing on the wrong side of humiliation.

People soon learned which traditions reinforced loyalty, and which fostered resentment or even exclusion. When seen with open eyes, rituals could be honored, customized, or swapped out for better ones. Laughter and a sense of play turned hard days bearable, while cruelty or secrecy sowed distrust.

The core behavioral science here is 'social proof' and 'communal reinforcement.' We understand, at a gut level, that shared struggles and private jokes make for tight bonds. But every tradition carries the risk of reinforcing groupthink or even marginalization; the most successful environments practice ongoing reflection and revision—keeping the good, reworking or dropping the bad.

Your chance: notice this process in your own world, then deliberately choose traditions that help everyone belong and feel safe—even if they look a little different than last year.

Over the coming week, take note of how newcomers are welcomed (or tested) in your organization—are people tossed into the deep end, or is there humor and support? Reflect on the jokes or shared stories that mark 'insider' versus 'outsider', then pick one tradition you genuinely love and embrace it—even help pass it on. If you spot a ritual you find unfair, risky, or just not for you, bring it up or propose an alternative—maybe a positive initiation, or a harmless joke that anyone can laugh at. This way, you take your place in the group on your own terms, balancing camaraderie with care.