15 Questions
What was Lucy's primary motivation for saying funny or outrageous things?
To get attention from her parents and siblings
What did Lucy's boss think about her sharp tongue?
It was a liability and kept her out of client meetings
What is the difference between being blunt and being direct according to the passage?
Blunt instruments are for smashing rocks, direct ones are for fine work
What is the recommended action when tempted to spout off?
Count to three first
What is the recommended way to deal with a situation when tempted to react?
Imagine a loving person's calm voice
What was the underlying reason for Lucy's behavior of being blunt and outspoken?
To gain attention and approval from her parents
How did Lucy's bluntness affect her interactions with others?
It pushed people away, despite her desire to feel closer to them
What is the recommended approach to being direct in communication, according to the passage?
To consider the impact of your words on others and tailor your approach accordingly
What is the underlying message of the passage regarding communication?
That being respectful and considerate is key to effective communication
What is the ultimate goal of adopting a more direct and respectful approach to communication, according to the passage?
To build strong relationships and earn respect from others
Lucy became a drama queen to get away from her anxious feelings.
False
Lucy's mother thought her bluntness was a liability.
False
Being direct and being blunt are interchangeable terms.
False
Lucy's bluntness helped her connect with her colleagues and gain their respect.
False
The passage suggests that being blunt can sometimes be an effective way to communicate.
False
Study Notes
Bluntness vs. Directness
- Bluntness is a way to cope with feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem, but it can be a liability in professional settings.
- Being blunt can be a cry for attention, but it can also push people away.
- Comedians use bluntness to entertain and make people laugh, but in a workplace, it can be seen as impolitic and hurtful.
The Case of Lucy
- Lucy, a young financial analyst, used bluntness to get attention from her colleagues and boss, but it backfired.
- She had developed the habit of being blunt in her childhood to get noticed by her parents and siblings.
- Lucy's bluntness was seen as a liability by her boss, who kept her out of client meetings and wrote her up for her behavior.
The Difference Between Bluntness and Directness
- Bluntness is like using a blunt instrument, whereas directness is like using a fine-edged tool.
- Directness requires skill and artistry, whereas bluntness can be seen as crude and careless.
- Being direct is about connecting with people and getting your point across, whereas being blunt is about getting attention or being critical.
Action Steps
- Before speaking out, count to three and consider whether what you have to say is constructive or attention-seeking.
- Ask yourself what you want to accomplish by being blunt and whether it will have the desired effect.
- Consider the boundaries of others and the impact of your words on them.
- Find a respected colleague and observe how they communicate effectively.
- Imagine a loving person coaching you to respond calmly and thoughtfully in a situation.
Bluntness vs. Directness
- Bluntness is a way to cope with feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem, but it can be a liability in professional settings.
- Being blunt can be a cry for attention, but it can also push people away.
- Comedians use bluntness to entertain and make people laugh, but in a workplace, it can be seen as impolitic and hurtful.
The Case of Lucy
- Lucy, a young financial analyst, used bluntness to get attention from her colleagues and boss, but it backfired.
- She had developed the habit of being blunt in her childhood to get noticed by her parents and siblings.
- Lucy's bluntness was seen as a liability by her boss, who kept her out of client meetings and wrote her up for her behavior.
The Difference Between Bluntness and Directness
- Bluntness is like using a blunt instrument, whereas directness is like using a fine-edged tool.
- Directness requires skill and artistry, whereas bluntness can be seen as crude and careless.
- Being direct is about connecting with people and getting your point across, whereas being blunt is about getting attention or being critical.
Action Steps
- Before speaking out, count to three and consider whether what you have to say is constructive or attention-seeking.
- Ask yourself what you want to accomplish by being blunt and whether it will have the desired effect.
- Consider the boundaries of others and the impact of your words on them.
- Find a respected colleague and observe how they communicate effectively.
- Imagine a loving person coaching you to respond calmly and thoughtfully in a situation.
Bluntness vs. Directness
- Bluntness is a way to cope with feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem, but it can be a liability in professional settings.
- Being blunt can be a cry for attention, but it can also push people away.
- Comedians use bluntness to entertain and make people laugh, but in a workplace, it can be seen as impolitic and hurtful.
The Case of Lucy
- Lucy, a young financial analyst, used bluntness to get attention from her colleagues and boss, but it backfired.
- She had developed the habit of being blunt in her childhood to get noticed by her parents and siblings.
- Lucy's bluntness was seen as a liability by her boss, who kept her out of client meetings and wrote her up for her behavior.
The Difference Between Bluntness and Directness
- Bluntness is like using a blunt instrument, whereas directness is like using a fine-edged tool.
- Directness requires skill and artistry, whereas bluntness can be seen as crude and careless.
- Being direct is about connecting with people and getting your point across, whereas being blunt is about getting attention or being critical.
Action Steps
- Before speaking out, count to three and consider whether what you have to say is constructive or attention-seeking.
- Ask yourself what you want to accomplish by being blunt and whether it will have the desired effect.
- Consider the boundaries of others and the impact of your words on them.
- Find a respected colleague and observe how they communicate effectively.
- Imagine a loving person coaching you to respond calmly and thoughtfully in a situation.
Explore famous quotes from Elaine, Winston Churchill, and Robin Williams on dealing with criticism and using humor to cope.
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