Language is a clever use of words….
“Some people see the glass half full. Others see it half empty.
I see a glass that’s twice as big as it needs to be.”
― George Carlin
(Due to family issues this week, I am going a little off course with the Radical Blog. Next week we will start looking at various social media outlets for the beginner, as the more seasoned professionals have many of the techniques well at hand, although it is possible even they will learn a thing or two….)
At the top I placed what I think is a very good quote about opportunity. It seems to carry the same strategy as the leadership ladder of Lead, Follow or Get out of the Way. Courtesy of Mr. Carlin (never met him, but like to think we share a thought or two similar, and could have had many good conversations together), we are given the age-old vision of the half full glass; however this time instead of the traditional two options; he gives us three! And all of them are valid!
When presented with a new task or a new responsibility in our job, how many of us immediately question the validity of the request? How many of us wonder why we were given the assignment, I mean, couldn’t the supervisor have found someone more senior or knowledgeable for the job? Or is it all just a test of our credibility in our chosen vocation? Are we being tested for complacency? The list of questions could be endless, and the answers we give each and every question will vary by our skill, and understanding of the job.
Either of the three options come down to a complete understanding, and asking all the right questions before proceeding to achieve the best results . Its up to us to do all the leg-work needed to satisfy the client, the same as we did all the proper legwork to get the job. Whether the task is too large has yet to be seen (so don’t assume); you may need to ask for help somewhere down the line (but that is okay, no one ever got fired just for asking), what remains of the task is what we make of it- Mountain….or Mole-hill.
Which brings us around to language. I have learned over the years that even the most simple of statements can be taken any number of ways. Wars have been started over a misplaced word. Governments have fallen because of a misplaced statement… All in the name of understanding! Or is it? If we take the time to examine the instructions, any questions which arise should be clear. The more clear the instruction, the more clear the solution, and a shorter time will be required to accomplish the task. Language is a clever use of words. Sometimes it becomes important to try and find the meaning behind the request; and not just take it at face value. Words are sometimes used as subterfuge (my big word of the day) or as a deception of the real goal. Whatever. In the workplace we are all expected to do our best…bottom line and its up to each and every one of us who like to think we are the best asset which our company has ever brought on board, to ask the big question and decide:
- The glass is half-full: The task is too easy for my ambition or my abilities, so finishing it should be a breeze!
- The glass is half-empty: Where is the rest of the task, certainly that isn’t all there is… So when will I see the rest of what is really being asked of me.
- The glass is twice as big as it needs to be: Mission accomplished, the company has chosen the right candidate.
Any of these options, of course are strictly from my point of view. One of the joys of being part of a world-wide community is sharing those views; whether good or bad, and accepting that all words are…..in the very end… are what we perceive them to be.
Until next time when I hope to be back on topic. Leave any comments below on how you see language as a relevant tool in the workplace; and has there been any times when the meaning received was different than the message given.
Cheers,
The Daniel J. Smith
Community Manager->Radical Events
To end this week with a funny, heres a clip of Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry which I found on You-tube; again talking about language… Enjoy…
