Often, what people say about other people behind their backs is a nasty reflection on the talker. You might be surprised by what I heard from an IRS executive.
Several years ago, my office received an e-mailed inquiry about hiring me to keynote an upper-level management meeting for the U.S. Treasury Department. I personally called to follow-up and during the conversation the potential client stated she worked for Treasury. It's a huge organization so I asked, "Which agency in Treasury?" With hesitation and in a lowered voice she said, "the IRS." "Oh! I've done programs for the IRS before, which division?" There was a pause. It was obvious she was uncomfortable. Then she said in a tone that makes a non-question sound like a question, "Tax collections? Some people are uncomfortable with them -- you know, because of their reputation?" She told me she had worked there for years but she kept referring to coworkers as they. She said things like, "They are having problems with morale," instead of choosing to say, "We are having problems with morale." And I thought, "You don't sound too smart. You're ashamed of where you work and you're distancing yourself from it. You can't be contributing much. Do the agency and yourself a favor and change your attitude or get out."
Was I harsh? All I did was instinctively react to the silent message she sent. When I hear someone knocking where they work, I hear them down-grading themselves. Saying they when talking about the organization implies the talker is not a team player, not a leader, not committed, not willing to shoulder responsibility for improvement, and not particularly valuable in the grand scheme of things. And to me, that doesn't sound smart.
The bottom line is this: When you are on a boat, you never benefit from punching holes in the hull. Never denigrate the people you work with. This includes your boss, co-workers, and customers. If you ever find yourself on a boat you no longer want to be on, do everyone a favor and get off the boat!
Doug Smart is the co-author of the book, Irresistible Leadership. He is a management development consultant, professional speaker, and host of the daily motivational radio show, "Smarter by the Minute." For more information, email doug@dougsmart.com. Copyright 2005 by Doug Smart
whole house cleaning Deerfield ..What does a sharp saw have to do with lifelong... Read More
What with the millions of words printed every day about... Read More
Self-esteem is very important. It is the way we view... Read More
Hey Future Millionaire,There's so much value in reading about the... Read More
Are you on the right track?Stop for a while, look... Read More
I am going to tell you something you already know... Read More
"Fighting to pay the bills is hardly worth it? fight... Read More
Do you sometimes feel that you're living a boring life?... Read More
I recently was made aware of two comparative statistics that... Read More
We all strive for a 'balanced life'. Although we may... Read More
Just how powerful is the Subconscious Mind and how can... Read More
"If you want to increase your success rate, double your... Read More
"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my... Read More
Revolution:a sudden, radical, or complete change a fundamental change in... Read More
Change is one of the biggest concepts facing today's society.... Read More
(Excerpted From the 2001 Jim Rohn Millennium Weekend Event -... Read More
A Lifelong Learning Plan is a conscious, continuous engagement in... Read More
Every man who accomplishes things sees first in his mind... Read More
Create an environment that is so inspiring and nurturing that... Read More
Magic doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some very... Read More
Here are 10 of 26 proven strategies gleaned from interviews... Read More
"Enthusiasm is worth any pot of cream ever offered."Can you... Read More
1. Clear vision + Intention + Purpose... Read More
Consider what it takes to become an undeniable success with... Read More
Hello,You are reading this article because you are one of... Read More
home cleaning services Des Plaines ..A Lifelong Learning Plan is a conscious, continuous engagement in... Read More
In the book, The SHOCKwealth System?, it is discussed that... Read More
Revolution:a sudden, radical, or complete change a fundamental change in... Read More
Here is a great way to create affirmations that may... Read More
People have a tremendous capacity for outstanding achievement. There are... Read More
Everything we have in life is because of the help... Read More
Visualize success, and what you'll do to reward yourself A... Read More
"I am the greatest warrior. I have fought with gods... Read More
Consider what it takes to become an undeniable success with... Read More
In his audio e-book, 10 Habits to Swell Your Bank... Read More
When you are in business every person you hire gets... Read More
We have all read about people who are successful briefly.... Read More
I started taking stock of my year in 2002. I... Read More
Thomas Edison has done it. Naomi Watts often jokes about... Read More
I want to focus our thoughts on each of these... Read More
There are those out there who would lead us to... Read More
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to be... Read More
An effective self- concept generates the desire to strive for... Read More
Most sports are full of lessons for the discerning. Tennis... Read More
I receive several emails every week asking me about how... Read More
Let's say you're moving forward in your efforts to achieve... Read More
Following are a series of questions I needed to ask... Read More
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a... Read More
Whenever I'm feeling stuck in a rut, I go out... Read More
If that sounds like you, you're not alone. Everyone needs... Read More
Success |