Writing Boots

On communication, professional and otherwise.

Let’s complete this list

09.15.2008 by David Murray // 13 Comments

 

It's best not to trust people who:

 

• Say “frankly.”

 

• Use your name a lot. "David, as I'm sure you'll agree, David."

 

• Attribute their every fuckup to “a perfect storm.”

 

• Respond to criticism by saying they’ve been “thrown under the bus.” (What bus?)

 

• Describe their strategy (or their coffee or wine or anything else) as “robust.”

 

• Tell you, “I’m being perfectly transparent with you.”

 

• Tell you how “passionate” they are about branding, roofing tile or whatever else it is they’re selling.

 

• Say they want your feedback.

Categories // Uncategorized

Comments

  1. Glynn says

    September 15, 2008 at 10:26 am

    Another bullet point for the list:
    If they apologize and the the word “if” is in the apology, as in, “If I offended you, I’m sorry.”

    Reply
  2. Susan says

    September 15, 2008 at 11:12 am

    Or, they apologize with the word “but”, as in “I’m sorry _____, but….
    And, people who repeat what you just said using as many big words as possible.

    Reply
  3. Susan says

    September 15, 2008 at 11:19 am

    And people who won’t let a subject die!!!

    Reply
  4. Ron Shewchuk says

    September 15, 2008 at 11:34 am

    People who respond to anything negative by saying “It’s all good.”

    Reply
  5. David Murray says

    September 15, 2008 at 12:02 pm

    THIS IS THE SPIRIT.
    People who say, “It is what it is.”
    People who say, “This issue isn’t about ____, it’s about _____.” Says who, gooftard?

    Reply
  6. Kristen says

    September 16, 2008 at 7:27 am

    People who start something with: “As I’m sure you know…”
    If you’re sure I know, then why do you feel the need to tell me again???

    Reply
  7. Kristen says

    September 16, 2008 at 7:30 am

    And, people who say, in response to anyone asking them to do something: “No problem”
    Because sure as shootin’ if they say “no problem” you can bet there WILL be a problem!

    Reply
  8. Kristen says

    September 16, 2008 at 7:31 am

    Just one more then I’ll stop.
    People who say: “We need to make this a ‘win-win’ situation.”
    Translation: “You need to do what I want even though it isn’t what YOU want.”

    Reply
  9. DS says

    September 16, 2008 at 8:58 am

    People who say, “It’s the nature of the business.”

    Reply
  10. Amy Jo says

    September 17, 2008 at 12:33 am

    People who try to apologize like this: “I’m sorry that you …”
    Anyone that says, “Out of the box”
    One I shamefully admit thinking but never like hearing: “What’s your problem?”

    Reply
  11. David Murray says

    September 17, 2008 at 9:05 am

    “I’m just calling to touch base.”
    “Quick question.”
    “Thanks in advance.”

    Reply
  12. David Murray says

    September 17, 2008 at 4:21 pm

    Writers who call ours “a brave new world.”

    Reply
  13. AR Norris says

    January 14, 2010 at 12:11 pm

    “Let’s discuss this Off Line”

    Reply

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