Comments on: More than Just a Sign

By: Robert Magnan

Robert Magnan — Wed, 24 May 2006 16:49:31 +0000

It seems that two key facts are missing here.
Did the colleague have time to print the signs off after the comment? If not, then she may have wondered why your reader made the comment. The only effect that it could have at that time would be to make her feel bad, to show that the reader was smarter than her colleague.
Was the colleague working too hard on conference matters? If so, then she probably wasn’t being 100% on top of things — and was probably only too aware of that fact. In this case, again, she could do nothing about the comment but feel bad.
She should not have become defensive and attacked. But it seems that we are missing key information to judge her reaction fairly.

By: Kathleen DuBois

Kathleen DuBois — Thu, 18 May 2006 13:35:26 +0000

I know this situation well, from both sides. I tend to give advice “freely” also, but over time I have learned a few ground rules. For one, it’s not helpful to point out the obvious, especially if it is too late to change what is done. If the friend is an adult and lives in the 21st century, I am sure she was well aware that printed signs would have made a better impression. But for whatever reason, lack of time, lack of materials, etc, she probably did the best she could under the circumstances. Rather than point out the obvious short coming, why not praise her for taking the time in spite of her limited time or whatever. For another, before offering the advice, find out if the other person wants your advice! It comes across as arrogant to assume others are just waiting for you to tell them what they need to do.

By: Judy Phillips

Judy Phillips — Wed, 17 May 2006 17:23:44 +0000

In addition to the statement in your response, offer to help on future occasions when signage might be required.