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Cussword Could Cast a Career Boost

by Nancy Needhima on May 29 2012 5:22 PM

Cussword Could Cast a Career Boost
Occasionally blurting out F-words at work, at ‘appropriate’ time and place, might give your career a boost some experts posit. Most companies now prefer their leaders to be charismatic rather than conservative, the old saying that being polite could propel your professional life is being re-evaluated.
"Companies increasingly prefer authentic leaders. Using colourful language can play to your advantage-as long as you also demonstrate empathy and good business judgment," the Daily Mail quoted Jeffrey Cohn, a CEO succession-planning expert, as telling to the Wall Street Journal.

An example of the power of a potty mouth is the video for Dollar Shave Club.

Michael Dubin, the founder of the e-commerce start-up, brags their razor blades are 'f***ing great' in the viral video.

The word is bleeped out, but its impact is felt nonetheless.People know the curse is there," Cohn said, but warned dirty language can also be negative.

"You have to know your environment," he added.

An interview, for example, is no place to pull out the profanity.

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Jane Howze, managing director of Alexander Group, an executive-search firm, said that swearing is tantamount sacrilege.

You've got to wait to get your foot in the door before you put it in your mouth.

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Some people can incorporate a few choice phrases into their professional persona, cultivating personal relationships by cutting tension.

"Used sparingly, it's very effective," said Brent Sherwin, a senior vice president of a Schwan Food Co. unit, to the Journal.

He works with truck drivers that love to hear him swear, he said, as it brings them closer and levels the playing field.

Litigators also love a good swearword, added one senior litigation partner at a West Coast law firm.

She said it makes clients feel like she is 'one of the guys' and reassures them she can handle anything.

"If you don't shrink at foul language, you won't shrink at something opposing counsel will throw at you," she said to the Journal.

However, it's not an equal playing field for the fairer sex.

"It's deemed not appropriate for females to be swearing," said Dee Soder, managing partner of CEO Perspective Group, an executive-advisory firm.

"There's a higher standard for women," he added.

Source-ANI


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