Words matter. How we use words when speaking, writing, presenting, and marketing affects our outcomes and our relationships. Consider whether you describe yourself and your work as a noun (static), as a verb (action), or as an adjective (descriptive). For instance, (I didn’t set out to do it), six of my seven books have a verb in the title: Run, Moving, Building as examples. When you describe yourself and how you approach work, are you a noun, a verb, or an adjective?
Noun: A noun is a word for a person, place, or thing. A noun is an object that is stationary, unchanging until a verb is paired with it. In the workplace, nouns include: person, desk, worker, computer, desktop, chair, table, shelf, floor, machine, building, office, and so on. Nouns for people at work include: employee, worker, manager, supervisor, executive, team member, foreman, contractor, and more. What noun is used for you at work?
Verb: A verb is a word that conveys action, that tells us what someone is doing or able to do. Workplace verbs include: save, compute, sell, lead, direct, manage, operate, drive, and more. Helpful sales letter and resume verb lists can be found in online searches. What actions are you most known for? Create your list of verbs; update your resume.
Noun and verb: Some words of course can be used as a noun and a verb: care, work, help, guide, and others. Reflect on whether you are more action oriented or person-place-thing oriented.
Adjective: An adjective is a descriptive word that helps us understand a noun, its color, qualities, and characteristics. Workplace adjectives include: hot, cold, colorful, quiet, loud, noisy, dependable, reliable, predictable, and so many more. Depending on tone of voice, context, and use, the same adjective can be positive or negative. For instance, aggressive on a sports field can be a positive however aggressive in a conversation can be a negative. What adjectives do others use to describe you? Are they positive or negative? Helping your career or hurting it?
What can you do to describe yourself and your work more fully? As a noun? As a verb? As an adjective?
Workplace: Managing the moments of our day-to-day business lives takes work. Together, let’s explore what issues and activities affect us every day (or some days) that we go to work. – Jana