Oldham County, Kentucky. Photo by Fiona M. MacLean

The Subtle Art of ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’ in the Corporate Universe

In the cutthroat arena of corporate America, where the suits are sharp and the stakes are higher than Elon Musk’s SpaceX rockets, one might argue that saying “please” and “thank you” is akin to bringing a rubber chicken to a sword fight.

But hey, hold that thought, because today’s the day we dive headfirst into the deep end of polite paradoxes.

Buckle up, gang – we’re talking about why you should sprinkle your conversations with sugar and spice, and why it makes you a polite bad ass.

**1. The Magic of “Please”:**

You see, when you toss a “please” into your command or request, it’s like a Jedi mind trick. You’re not just telling someone to do something; you’re giving them a choice. The magic word creates a subtle illusion that they have a say in the matter, and suddenly, they’re not a mere minion; they’re a collaborator. Who knew “please” was the corporate version of a Patronus charm? (I finally watched all the Harry Potter movies during covid.)

Picture this: The top wrung of the ladder turns to her trusty admin and says, “Can you please compile that report for the board meeting?” It’s not an order; it’s a polite inquiry. The admin, who might have been daydreaming of throwing the CEO’s coffee out the window, suddenly feels valued and willingly complies. The power of “please” is like a superhero cape for your words.

**2. “Thank You” – The Mic Drop of Manners:**

A CEO who says “thank you” to her underlings is not just acknowledging their efforts; she’s creating a culture of appreciation. When you’re the kind of leader who can genuinely say “thank you,” you’re no longer seen as a heartless taskmaster. You’re a collaborator, a motivator, and, yes, a polite bad ass.

So, the next time you’re in a meeting, remember the power of “please” and “thank you.” It’s not about playing nice; it’s about playing smart. In this fast-paced, cutthroat world, a little courtesy can go a long way. It’s not weakness; it’s strategic politeness. (But please play nicely, anyway.)

Wrapping up, saying “please” and “thank you” might seem old-fashioned, but in the modern corporate coliseum, it’s the subtle art of being a polite bad ass. So go ahead, sprinkle those magic words into your conversations, and watch as you gracefully navigate the battleground of office politics. You’re not just polite; you’re a corporate conjurer, turning command into collaboration, and gratitude into greatness.






One response to “The Subtle Art of ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’ in the Corporate Universe”

  1. A corporate conjurer!😀
    By the way, could you follow me back?

    Like

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