Be Careful with Your Words

 That article was funny for sure! My family got a few chuckles as I read it to them. Let's step back and think about it for a minute. Why was it funny? The answer will hit you like a ton of bricks. The author in each headline or instruction was trying to communicate a message. In some cases, they were trying to warn others of danger. Unfortunately, the authors didn't edit their own writing or have others review. Had they done some basic editing, they could have ensured their communication was delivered in the way it was meant. Instead, we are left with double meanings and funny emails. How are you doing this in your communication to others? How do you communicate with your spouse, your kids, your parents, siblings, relatives, friends? How do you communicate in the board rooms, conference rooms, and Zoom rooms to co-workers or your team? How do you communicate in your texts/IMs/emails to customers, team members, vendors? We live in a world of auto-correct, where we trust a computer to edit for us. This is dangerous. Be honest. How many times have you sent something that auto-corrected to something totally out there? What happened next? Shame, embarrassment, and a follow up text with the correction. Why do we get so lazy and allow ourselves to trust the editing of a computer?  

"Ken, you're going overboard. It's 2022 and everyone does it." Okay, you're excuse is that everyone is communicating with laziness and that makes it okay? What about standing out? What about being a person that means what he says and isnt' mean when he says it? What happened to the basic rules of grammar that our mothers taught us as kids? Does all of that go away because we have emojis and spell-checker? NO! I want to urge you to be careful with your words. Be careful with the words you speak as they could be misinterpreted. Be carefull with the words you write as they could be harming your relationships or brand. Is it really worth it? Can't you take an extra few minutes to edit every headline, every email, every blog,  every text, plan out a phone call or a presentation? I believe you will enjoy greater success in your relationships and business if you do.

Do you need someone to talk to about your words. I'm here. Email me at ken@smartcleaningschool.com or book a free coaching call on my website, Smart Cleaning School.