running a design shop
Out of context: Reply #12
- Started
- Last post
- 22 Responses
- gramme0
uber, I already tell clients which comp(s) I suggest, and only show runners-up that I could live with. There have been times when a client was leaning towards a certain direction in a presentation, and as I looked further my preference became clarified; I then made the case for my pick, and at least half the time they see it my way.
One thing I would do differently from what is done at my current gig: less political correctness. I don't think it's ever good to be rude or tactless, but sometimes I feel like we have to walk on eggshells at my office. Case in point: I once had an email exchange with a web developer who mentioned someone in his family was gravely ill. I told him I'd pray for his family. My boss was CC'd on the exchange, and she actually reprimanded me for saying I'd pray for the guy—because "some people might be offended by that. We should avoid religious references in business correspondence. In the future, you could tell people they are in your thoughts and leave it at that. It sends the same message."
Ummmm, no: it does not. On one hand, I'm sending out vague, New Agey vibes for wellbeing that really don't do jack shit (still a religious reference, just a different kind); on the other hand, I'm calling down divine intervention on behalf of another.
Anyway, with my own shop I just wouldn't bypass my beliefs in order to avoid offending someone. I'd be cordial, diplomatic and reasonable, but I would not hide my faith. I think ultimately, whether people agree with me or not, they'll respect and accept my faith, such as it is.
Also, I'll say Merry Christmas to people unless I know for sure that the correct greeting for them would be Happy Chanukah, etc. I've had a bellyful of this bland Happy Holidays nonsense. If people get offended by "Merry Christmas", that's a problem on their end. They need a dose of perspective on what matters. I wouldn't want to work for people who'd get offended by a "Merry Christmas", at any rate.
- http://www.proteinpo…powertoni
- what is it with you southern rednecks? you don't believe in diversity of opinion?powertoni
- southern redneck? You've got the wrong guy, Jim.gramme
- I'm all for diversity of opinion, just not walking on eggshells. It's absurd, plain and simple.gramme
- oh whatever...you're one state up from arkansas and culturally speaking you're all the same these days...powertoni
- "THERES A WAR ON CHRISTMAS"powertoni
- "IF MY BOSS HAS A PROBLEM WITH ME PROSELYTIZING HIS CLIENTS ITS HIS PROBLEM"powertoni
- you didn't even read my whole post, did you?gramme