It's always good to address people by their first name in a conversation, as it makes them feel seen and builds a connection. But it can be overdone, and cross a line if not used with care. For instance, the following statement is an example of a positive use of a first name: "Have a … Continue reading Workplace Communication Tip #87
Never underestimate the power of using the word “Folks” in your workplace communication.
Like most of you, I am often besieged while browsing the web by those click-bait article titles that I know are misleading, yet I can't help clicking.
Perhaps I’m alone, but I am very thankful that Abraham Lincoln's seminal speech at Gettysburg did not have to be delivered remotely.
It's not untrue, as this blog did ALMOST hit a record number of views yesterday! However, that number was 76, which is admittedly low compared to other sites and blogs.
I’m pretty sure the person who created the “Do Not Reply” email, those message addenda which tell you that no one will pay any attention to your return communication, was a parent.
We were living on the outskirts of technological advance and we were excited and contented and honored to be part of The Future!
My son uses the phrase "Guess what." approximately 1183 times a day. I don't know if that's typical, but I hope he outgrows it before he enters the workforce. I can imagine it will not be necessarily appreciated: Hey, Boss! Guess what. What? I ran those tests you asked for, and guess what. What? I … Continue reading Guess What
Happy Friday!
In which a common parent-child “conversation” is relayed, one which highlights the near-impossibility of achieving a base understanding when it comes to certain subjects, further solidifying a father’s status as “moron.” Or something.
In which the assertion that parents have a difficult time conversing in a normal human way is briefly dispelled.
The meeting request from the sales manager said that The Scientist was "cordially" invited to a work-related dinner later that week. While most would consider it a pleasant thing to be invited to ANY dinner, he supposed, and while the restaurant the company was springing for was fairly upscale (or so he had heard - he … Continue reading 9// Niceties
In which the case is made for the use of more precision in communicating the imprecise.
My kids argue nearly every morning over where they are going to sit in the van on the way to school. Needless to say, the conversations quickly turn irrational. I'm hoping they get over this before they enter the workaday world. I cannot imagine this being a productive practice in, say, an office environment: "Carl, … Continue reading I Never Get to Sit There!
Me: Does anyone want any more spaghetti before I put it up? {Silence} Me: Girls? Sam? I'm putting up the spaghetti. {No response} Me: I'm going to put up the spaghetti. No one wants any? {Crickets} Me: Ok, I'm putting up the spaghetti now. {Never has the house been so quiet} Me: Ok, last chance … Continue reading The Futility of “Communication”
