Skip the Buts
I am so glad you are taking time to read this Timely Tip but I don’t
know how useful it will be to you. Does that statement cause you to want
to read further? Probably not. Using the “but” in the sentence negates
the heart-felt phrase of how glad I am that you are reading this.
Listen to yourself and others. How often do you hear
statements like these?
- I wish my performance was more consistent but the
economy is affecting everything.
- I appreciate you finding that answer but you
could have more easily found it using by asking someone else
on the team.
- I’m sorry you do not like the answer but that is
all I can do.
- I am so sorry I missed your birthday but I was
just so busy.
Small words do have a big impact, as noted in the last Timely
Tip. “But” in a sentence can negate or contradict the first part
of the statement or cause confusion. Many times “but” is simply
inserted as a “connector” between two statements. But who has
time to figure out which part of the statement is the “real”
message? Most people will focus and remember the latter part.
The big question then…What to use instead? Use “and”
or a pause.
Restating the examples above:
- I wish my performance was more consistent.
(pause) The economy is affecting everything and I
will need to work differently to get the necessary results.
- I appreciate you finding that answer
AND there
may be some ways to get it more quickly in the future. Let’s
look at how.
- I’m sorry you do not like the answer
AND I
have done what I can. An option for you is to …
- I am so sorry I missed your birthday.
(pause) I have been so busy and lost track of the
days. This does not mean you aren’t important.
Habits are hard to break or make. The use of “but” as a
connector is a habit. “Skipping the buts” will take some effort
and the clarity of your message will be worth it.
Thank you for taking the time to read this Timely Tip
AND I hope
you will use the information to clearly communicate your
message.
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Want more information about how our programs and services
might
assist your organization in building business results? Contact
Nancy
Bleeke at 414.235.3064 |
