You probably use or hear others using these words on a daily basis. Be aware of them and realize the impact they have.
ButYou have just finished sharing an idea with a colleague and the first word out of her mouth is "but …" or "Yes, but …" ØWhat's your reaction? ØDo you think she was actually listening? ØDo you feel your idea has been rejected?
The word 'but' has the potential to diminish or kill whatever idea, thought or experience immediately precedes it. Far too often we use 'but' when 'and' is a better choice.Example:Incorrect: You have been doing a great job; But can you send out the status report?Correct: You have been doing a great job and please send the status report by end of day today.
TryHow often do you hear or say, "I'll try."? And what does this mean? Sometimes the word 'try' is used to mean "I really don't want to do what you have asked, and I don't know how to say no to you.“.How would your life change, if instead of saying, "I will try to do …" you say "I will do …" or even better "I am in the process of doing …" and specify a time when it will be done.Example:Incorrect: I will try to complete the report & sendCorrect: I will complete the report & send it out by 5PM today
Hope to, Want toThese are similar to 'trying' to do something…The idea of accomplishing something is there and with 'hope to' or 'want to' there is no commitment or visible action to getting it done.If you are really serious about it, why not say, "I am committed to accomplishing this by (date or time)" and then focus your actions on doing so.Example:Incorrect: I hope to complete the report by EOD todayCorrect: I am committed to send out the report by 5PM today
Cant'Can't' is used far too often and shuts out the possibility of doing/achieving somethingSaying, “We cant complete Milestone X” closes down any possibility of achieving the milestone. If instead, you say “We haven't yet found a way to complete Milestone X”, this leaves the door open to finding a solution & puts you & the team on a path of discoveryExample:Incorrect: We cant complete Milestone XCorrect: We can complete A,B & C today and haven't found a way to complete X.
I will keep writing on more areas related to Corporate etiquette's.Keep Reading ,Keep visiting,Please do give your feedback if you find my blog useful .Have a good day ahead !Few of my articles related to corporates Etiquettes are as below
Instant Messaging & Social Media Etiquettes
