Remember You Are Always On

The quickest way to make a bad impression is to activate the mouth before engaging the brain.

Recently I attended an event where the organizer of the event ripped off a litany of inappropriate language and innuendos in front of people he had just literally met. Several of the people who were in attendance were visibly uncomfortable with his foul language, misaligned stories and off-colored jokes. I could see the respect and reputation that had initially brought these people to this gathering in the first place literally evaporating in front of my very eyes.

They were embarrassed for him. I was embarrassed for him. And unfortunately he remains clueless as to the damage his mouth was causing him.

I will be the first to admit that I am no angel. But I remember the advice a former boss gave me way back when. "Remember kid, you are always on stage. You represent me. You represent the company. And most of all, (I still see him pausing for effect) you represent yourself."

I would like to say that I have always followed that advice but admittedly I have not; and it has cost me dearly. The wrong word at the wrong time has cost me a good connection, lost me someone's respect and generally made me look like the back end of the ugliest horse's you know what.

Remember to engage the brain before you open your mouth. The person you offend today could just very well insure the door you need tomorrow remains forever locked. And what a bad Ripple that would be.

Ripple On!!!