DISQUS

Anita Campbell · 4 months ago

People are always urging me to get controversial when I write, but when I do some people misunderstand. I prefer etiquette.

Carol Bory · 4 months ago

Anita @smallbiztrends: I agree with you. I prefer to find common ground. When we insight controversy with our words we diminish our Self and others. I believe when we speak kindly and with regard to a subject or person, people sense they can speak freely to us without the concern of unfavorable words in return.

Judy Dunn · 4 months ago

Interesting post here, Carol. I straddle this line all the time at my blog. And the question for me is, "How much of myself to I sacrifice by pleasing my readers?" (And how the heck can I please such a diverse audience, anyway?)

My three core values are service (helping others), empathy and humor. My writing, hopefully, shows one or more of those at any given time. But I have a dry, British-type sense of humor and if someone takes me literally, well...

But my humor also tends to be self-deprecating. When I make fun, it is usually of myself. Sometimes people see themselves in it too but don't take it personally because I have directed it at myself.

So what point was I trying to make? Hmm. Oh, yes. It's that I attract a certain kind of reader and that it's the same kind of person my ideal client is. Is it wrong to self-select your readers/clients? Because I feel with anything in writing, you need to address a target audience or else you are just wishy-washy. Does this make sense?

Carol Bory · 4 months ago

Judy @CatsEyeWriter: Your thoughts totally make sense to me. I believe we need to be true to ourselves yet choose our words wisely so they are not at the expense of others.

elevatingyourbusinesss · 4 months ago

I just asked clients for feeback on how I work with them, etc. etc. For sure I'm making the choice to be a kick-a** collaborator with them. They don't pay me to be nice, they pay me for the truth.

But I am sensitive to their needs, I just don't mince words. I see no reason for it. I wouldn't be true to myself any other way.

Carol Bory · 4 months ago

I believe we can be firm in our choice of words and still be true to ourselves. I don't think we need to exchange being nice for overriding the truth.

SkipAnderson · 4 months ago

I appreciate the thoughts about etiquette. I think we could all benefit from more etiquette at all levels of business interaction.

Carol Bory · 4 months ago

Skip: Thank you for your kind comment.

McLaughlin · 4 months ago

When I worked at Microsoft we had "Six Pillars of Character" and under Trustworthiness the list included honesty, integrity, promise-keeping & loyalty. I contacted Balmer and said that these should not be listed as traits to aim to have, but they should be a given. He wrote back that lacking these traits should be a firing point.

Carol Bory · 4 months ago

@_McLaughlin: Impressive ... "honesty, integrity, promise-keeping & loyalty as a given" in a person's character. That really speaks to Microsoft's culture! Thanks for sharing.

Martin Lindeskog · 4 months ago

It is interesting to see a post on business etiquette. I think that a good business behavior is grounded on a sound ethical base with virtues, e.g. the ones listed by @_McLaughlin. I see it is time to introduce the business philosopher to companies and talk about the trader principle in order to know how to treat other individuals and have an exchange of ideas and values.

Carol Bory · 4 months ago

Thanks for your thoughts Martin.

Walethia Aquil · 4 months ago

I believe if we just practiced basic common courtesy, and considerations such as excuse me, please, thank you, may I, etc. what a difference that would make in our personal lives as well as our businesses.

Carol Bory · 4 months ago

Walethia: I agree. Thanks for sharing.