Our words and phrases
are a window into our thinking
and have a significant impact
on the people around us.
Below are 3 of my least favorite
phrases and expressions
that have become common
in our culture over the years.
#1. Pick your brain.
If you’re looking for advice,
avoid asking someone
if you can “pick their brain.”
Unless you want to position
yourself as a vulture
consider rephrasing as:
“…ask your advice”
“…would appreciate your insights/guidance.”
#2. You eat what you kill.
Often spouted as a refrain in the
sales and entrepreneurial worlds,
this is hardly a pleasant
(or accurate) metaphor.
Instead, speak the truth.
“Our income is commission-based.”
“If we don’t produce, we don’t get paid.”
#3. “No problem” as a response to “Thank you.”
This is particularly annoying
from a service professional
or anyone carrying out their job requirement.
Saying, “No problem”
in response to “Thank you”
is actually a very subtle “status play”
as the wording implies the request
may have been an inconvenience.
It’s a bit like saying, “It’s ok;
you’re not putting me out of my way”
when in fact, fulfilling the task
is actually a required part of the role.
Consider instead
the classic and simple, “You’re welcome.”
Just because certain phrases
have crept into our lexicon
doesn’t mean we have to use them.
How you communicate
and the words you choose have
a direct effect on how you’ll be perceived
and the outcome you’ll generate.
Risk Forward & Rock On,
P.S. This is a follow up post on language, given the enthusiastic email response from many readers and a request for more on this topic. The previous post on language can be found here.
