 The Four-Letter Words You Need to Use at Work!
There's nothing like a good four-letter word, right? It can express an emotion and energy that's hard to get across any other way. And of course, the well-timed four-letter word can actually make an impact on everyone around you.
Oh wait--did you think I was talking about swear words like #%&@ and #(%^? Well, I have been known to use a few of those (usually when I'm caught in Atlanta traffic). But in my quest to help us reinvent our workplaces and wear our red capes all the time, I'm discovering powerful four-letter words we need to use more often at work.
Here are my favorites--the ones I think are the most powerful. Suit up and try them out today!
1. B-R-A-G
When did brag become a four-letter word? I'm always amazed how many accomplished, smart professionals think it's inappropriate to share how accomplished and smart they are. They hold back--and get left behind, or get left out of the opportunities where they can really shine and make a difference. All for our hesitation to brag. Or maybe we misunderstand what bragging really can be.
To me, when you're bragging with your red cape on, you're simply sharing the things you're proud of; things you're excited by. If you've ever attended one of my "Communicating Your Value in the Workplace" talks or seminars, you've gotten a first-hand taste of how this can work. It never fails--when I ask people to brag to each other about something they're proud of or excited by, not once has the other person thought it sounded like bragging. Not once.
(Want to use this four-letter word more? Peggy Klaus' book on this topic, "Brag: How to Toot Your Own Horn Without Blowing It" is a great resource. And of course, if you'd like me to come teach Communicating Your Value in your workplace, just email me here!)
2. R-E-S-T
A couple weeks ago, I shared an article on my Facebook page by Tony Schwartz, author of "Be Excellent at Anything: The Four Keys to Transforming the Way We Work and Live." Tony's article in the Harvard Business Review blog commented on the recent controversy over air traffic controllers napping at work, and shared great data about the importance of rest and sleep.
But we've demonized rest in the workplace. An exhausted client said to me the other day, "I can't tell anyone I need a break--they'll think I can't handle it." The reality is, though, that without breaks and rest, we won't be able to handle it--even the things that come easy to us get more difficult when we're beat.
If you want to change your experience in the workplace, try building in some rest for yourself, and being a role model for others who will appreciate--and benefit from--your example.
For the rest of my favorite four-letter words you can use at work, visit my blog at RedCapeRevolution.com!
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