Notes and news, insights and inspiration from the autonomous collective mind of GS.

… you will go far.” —Teddy Roosevelt

People in the agency world are talking a lot about a new book by Susan Cain called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.

I’m looking forward to reading it, even though for me it might seem more like a biography.

Inside the world of advertising, where hard sells and networking are the expectation, and collaboration and brainstorming the norm, there lie some still waters … and they do run deep. I know a number of understated coworkers and clients who have a voice and command respect. They make an impact without making a lot of noise.

What this says to me is that those on both sides of the aisle can contribute to successful project outcomes – provided we rise above our own extrovert-introvert constraints.

Here’s a partial list of where we can start (additions from your own experience are welcome):

EXTROVERTS –

•     Talk less and listen more to others who might have ideas to contribute but can’t get them in

•     Be insightful and provide options to filter out the “noise” – sticky notes, for instance, to capture ideas from the quieter members of the crowd

•     Promote working solo before gathering for group critiques, as an alternative to working collaboratively

INTROVERTS –

•     Challenge yourself to contribute in brainstorming sessions without relying on others to carry the load, even if interrupting makes you uncomfortable

•     Try to not overcompensate in your approach, or you won’t be taken seriously

•     Partner with an extrovert – someone you can play off of – to help get your ideas across

True collaboration extends beyond the limits of today’s work environment. By being flexible enough to make room for everyone to contribute – quiet or not –we can greatly improve as individuals and as creative companies. And together we’ll “go far.”

For an op-ed of Susan Cain’s book, check out her article in The New York Times Sunday Review.

There’s an official social media definition of eavesdropping, and it is perfectly acceptable – even encouraged – in the context of tweeting: http://www.tourismkeys.ca/blog/2009/08/eavesdropping-keyword-leads-twitter/

The dictionary definition of eavesdropping refers to the audible kind. But I am going to address the etiquette of eavesdropping* as it relates to social media in terms of scanning other people’s screens when in close proximity, like at a concert, on a bus or train, or at a ball game.

No matter what generation pool we swim in, I like to think we’ve all been taught that eavesdropping isn’t polite. Recently, someone at GS confessed to overseeing a stranger’s tweet at a concert – and felt really guilty about it (even though getting busted resulted in a connection with a client that led to work for GS … weird, but true).

My nickname at the office is “Third Eye,” so it may seem I take visual scanning to a finer art. Some may view me as being way up there in the saddle, but I will admit it is still considered rude to visually intrude on on-screen personal conversations, photos, etc. unless you’re invited to do so. Even though a lot of people have lost their inhibitions about sharing nowadays, it should still be on their terms.

*Now to climb off my high horse before I fall off, I thought it would be fun to coin some creative terms for overseeing tweets or on-screen social media messages akin to eavesdropping. Here are a couple of mine:

• Eyedropping
• Bird dropping
• Social scanning
• Swooping
• Flyby
• Spyby
• Pecking
• Soaring

Got any to share?

I love english grammar. I admit it. Which is a good thing cuz I use it alot for my job. GS offers writing, editing and proofing to their clients and thats most of what I do here. Job security for myself given the amount of projects and content that come thru our doors. But I guess when you really think about it its not just my job. Its everyones’ job. As part of our daily responsiblties we all send written electronic communication and cuz were all professionals its expected that also is reflected in our emails both to clients and interoffice.

After all “perception is realty”. What does your written communication skills say about you and your level of attention to detail giving those who need to rely on you an impression of confidence or not so much?

Well, right about now you’re probably scratching your head wondering why Marc and Jeff would have kept me on the payroll for 21 years … thinking, I’d fire her in a heartbeat. What an idiot! Who would write something like that and send it without reviewing it first? Totally unprofessional, and she’s proofing all the clients’ jobs? I wouldn’t trust her.

Not to worry. I’m just messing with you. First, let’s see how many mistakes you caught (test yourself and be honest). Here’s the correct version:

I love English grammar. I admit it. Which is a good thing because I use it a lot in my job. GS offers writing, editing, and proofing to its clients, and that’s mostly what I do here. This provides job security for me, given the number of projects and content that comes through our doors. But I guess when you really think about it, it’s not just my job. It’s everyone’s job. As part of our daily responsibilities, we all send written electronic communications, and because we’re all professionals it is expected that we use proper English in our e-mails to clients and colleagues alike.

After all, “Perception is reality.” What do your written communication skills say about you and your level of attention to detail? Do they leave an impression of confidence or irresponsibility with those who rely on you?

How did you do?

The sad fact is that our English grammar skills have gotten sloppier over the years due to e-mailing and texting – and the speed of business isn’t helping. We barely have time to compose our thoughts and get them entered, much less review and proof what we wrote.

But proofing is a critical step, especially when your written communication is a reflection of you. Does your message have typos or incorrect word usage, improper punctuation or run-on sentences? Or does it make you look smart? Confident? Capable? Efficient? All good traits in a business professional, and something your clients and colleagues make note of, subconsciously or not.

So please take my advice (but not my job) and PRFRD your messages before you hit SND. Perception is reality: U WL B GR8.