"I've always dreamed of being an old philosopher. So far I've achieved one out of two!"

Gerry Reid's Professional Development Tip

Avoid "absolutes."

Whenever you are speaking or writing, be certain NOT to use words that suggest an extreme such as: "everyone, nobody, never, always, none, all." Linguists call these words "universals." I think of them as expressions of an "absolute" condition, a condition that has no room for exceptions. (Note: Sometimes absolutes are necessary and correct as in "All mammals breath air.")

When you use a term that implies an extreme (or absolute, or universal) condition, you are vulnerable to being misquoted or misunderstood.

Scenario: Chuck, a very dedicated and conscientious employee, works in Jim's department.

Poor Chuck! He cooperates with everyone, yet was thrown into the group of "all the people" and therefore "never cooperates."

In another situation the recipient of your communication could turn the absolute back on you with a questioning tone, pointing out your error in communication in a somewhat sarcastic and possibly embarrassing way:

Pete: "Everyone is goofing off and nobody is listening to me!"

Sarah: "Everyone?" (or) "Nobody?"

Think about what you are going to say or write. Could someone detect a misused absolute?. If they can, rephrase your thought avoiding the absolute. The result will be a significant improvement in the quality of your communication.