I’d be tickled pink if the word “but” were to be erased from the English language . . .
. . . but then what would people say when they don’t want to hear anything but what they want to hear?
“But” cancels, negates, and fails to honor anything that was said prior.
If you don’t like what she says, just repeat it back to her followed by “but” and you’ll be communicating that it’s gonna be YOUR way, or she can hit the highway.
“I may be fat, but you’re ugly, and I can lose weight.”
Obviously, use of the “but” flatters no-one and generally doesn’t take the communication thread in a useful direction.
“But” creates limitations . . . squashes creativity and Spirit . . . Closes space that previously felt Open.
“But”s damage relationships.
Try this . . . Every time you find yourself about to utter a “But,” replace it with an “And,” and see how that changes the tone and usefulness of whatever it is that you say next.
Say more “and”s, and you’ll find yourself speaking more intentionally and authentically.
Say more “and”s, and you’ll find more people LISTENING to you and ENGAGING with you.
More useful communication will happen, AND more work will get done in less time.
Ahhhhhhhh
(This post comes as a cathartic exercise to release the tension in my head after an Hour+ long meeting that was FULL of “BUT”s)
Read the next post I write . . . Another rant with an equally useful tip 
Residential Real Estate Principal Broker and Founder of Pareto Realty, LLC. Creating the quintessential real estate firm with emphasis on "Live, Work, & Play" balance . . . and a true Performance Oriented environment for Real Estate Professionals. Serving the Real estate needs of Home Buyers and Sellers in Middle Tennessee.
Comments(0)