Bing Translator can’t fix everything
Web 2.0 benefits
Today’s web is not a panacea for all business etiquette. There are rules we have to adhere to. Within this culture, in which communication is rapidly deteriorating, the risk of miscommunication is more than rampant – it’s to be expected. There are habits and guidelines that help safeguard us from a communication glitch becoming a serious issue.
Appointment Follow Up Email:
The habit of sending a wrap-up email after an in-person meeting will set you apart and safeguard your negotiations from “optimistic ears” or “hopeful assumptions”. When you synopsize the meeting with each party’s assigned tasks; you get to iron out any loose ends in your favor (as long as you don’t get caught manipulating facts).
Most promises aren’t intentionally broken, but rather mistakenly missed. Clear written appointment follow ups are a great tool that confirm everyone attended (and remember) the same meeting.
Another tools to help guard against our world’s conversationally challenged standard is centered around knowing whom you’re talking to, and how they are going to translate words, phrases, along with assumed intent. There are multiple personality types and generalizations that we all make every day. The point to realize is that these are not categorically “bad”. Any effort to do away with any type of generalization is not only pointless – it’s destructive. We celebrate tolerance and cry foul when the word “pre-judging” is used, but is there anything else that a lifetime of experience can offer than the ability to recognize a situation and avoid past pains we have experienced?
Prejudice that is based on stupid things like skin color or body type are points of ignorance.
I have learned that through a lifetime of experience, and when I come across someone that shows me these signs of prejudice – I make a judgement call that this person is ignorant and I should be careful of how I engage them. There are, however, risks with universal assumptions based on personality types and generalizations. As in every area – proceed with care.
Risk with any Personality Types and Generalizations:
Keep in mind; with any system of classifying people, the more I get to know myself – the greater the temptation to project right and wrong on those who are different. What I have chosen never infers a standard for others.Some simple questions I use to keep me on the right track:
- What makes you—you, is at some level is on purpose.
- You have a reason for the choices you make.
- I don’t need to understand your reasoning.
- People are different, and I have to know myself to better engage you.