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Super proud of this (minor) happening

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For years, I have called people at work “Boss.” 

“Hey, boss” is a pretty typical greeting from me, and it really helps to break the ice with folks.  Many people think it is either a little funny or odd that I am calling everyone “Boss” but it works.  The fact that it really helps if  can’t remember names is just a coincidental bonus…

A few weeks ago we started a new small team at work that handles many miscellaneous tasks.  Their email name is “Los Jefes,” which is Spanish for “The Bosses.”

For some reason, that made me really happy to see at work.

Just thought I would share!

Questions, comments, concerns and criticisms always welcome,
John

Comments

  • Anonymous
    July 22, 2014
    Hello, another John here. It's nice to see another John. I've noticed that you are active at working with Onenote and I've sent you an email concerning an ink bug. Good luck breaking ice! =)

  • Anonymous
    September 21, 2014
    Mr. Guin, Hello there. I just ran across your post here within my searches and wanted to leave a comment on this post. I work both in the office with Cad and in the field with construction. I highly dislike the use of "boss" in the way you describe using it. I hear and see it a lot in my trades, maybe it is because I am from the south that it reminds me of the black slaves using "master". I understand the idea of calling someone Boss (random person or coworker) is intended and often has an uplifting effect on that person, but it also have negative effects also. People will and do realize that you may very possibly not know their name (same with many terms such as "dude" or "man"), which can be bad in its self. "Boss" has a hierarchy continuation to it that can be interpenetrated or received wrongly. Your intentions of using "Boss" my be pure and good, but can lead to undesired outcomes. I prefer to stick to the ambiguous Ma'am and Sir. Yet, I still get "age" problems with those terms. I agree breaking the ice with some people can be difficult. Good Luck :) Thank You -Daniel Smith

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  • Anonymous
    October 26, 2014
    FYI, I feel the same as Daniel Smith but for different reasons. I'd like to think that I encourage an atmosphere of mutual respect & collaboration. One where the idea speaks for itself & it doesn't matter who said it. Being called boss, even in jest, calls into question if we really feel everyone is equal. OR makes me wonder if I've been bossy & overriding their suggestions. Note: I'm not saying that you shouldn't acknowledge, give credit to the person who proposed the good idea. Just that everyones suggestions should be considered / adopted based on the merit of the idea.  And not based on their position. Thus if the CEO proposes a dumb course of action you should be able to highlight where the plan could be improved. Even if it is the janitor that mentions the weakness. Happy to be a leader, not happy to be a boss.