For the past several months, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a dedicated core committee trying to pass a school bond referendum. It’s an all-volunteer group, all with full-time jobs and most with young children. Yet, every time anyone makes a request or needs something done, someone replies with: “I’m on it!”
I’ve been struck by the positivity of the phrasing that I have heard over and over again throughout this campaign. It conveys much more willingness than a mere “ok,” and also communicates a sense of relief that the action will be done, not just acknowledged.
A simple change in language can make such a difference. People make fun of Chick-fil-A’s pervasive “My pleasure,” but it stands out amidst all the generic “no problems.” Walgreens often ends transactions with “Be Well,” again, rising above the “thank you” clutter.
Previously, I have not paid attention to those throwaway, rote phrases but now that I’m aware of their impact, I’m on it.
