Nice words

A top executive walks into an elevator and is recognized. People greet him with accolades. Unfazed, he says thank you and gets off on the next floor. He realizes that nice words are just that: nice words. They mean little or nothing most of the time. He still has to perform, he still has do his job and prove himself.

In an office, a young intern is given the chance to be a full-time employee. She's greeted with "way to go" and "I'm proud of you" and "the company is smart to recognize you." Her temptation is to feel she's made it; after all, everyone is so impressed. Hopefully she'll realize those nice words were just nice words. She now has to show that she can do the job.

The same goes for resentful or jealous comments, they're just words--unless they affect our performance adversely.

Nice words or resentful words are many times meant to do the same thing: take your eye off your job, your focus, your performance.

Barry LaBov
LaBov & Beyond
www.labov.com