September 12, 2008

  • Encouragement

    I compose an average of 30 emails a day, many of which are written in an informal manner.  I also draft about 10 to 15 memos a week, many of which are written in a formal manner.  It's very likely that my grammar and vocabulary have gone downhill since college.  Afterall, I don't spend a mundane block of time every day to focus on LEARNING how to write properly anymore.  Instead I spend many hours APPLYING what I've learned to write as properly as I can remember how.  If that makes any sense...

    Today, I emailed my Coalition Chair some speaking points for our next meeting and he responded with a grammar lesson of the day:

    "Looks good.  Thanks.  Side note on grammar...

    "Katherine will be unable to continue with the Sacramento Children's Coalition due to having accepted a full-time position..."

    My 10th grade English teacher (one of my favorite teachers of all time) always used to tell us:   "Only bills are due."  I would have written the following or some other substitute instead:  

    "Katherine will be unable to continue with the Sacramento Children's Coalition because she has accepted a full-time position..."

    No biggie, obviously.  

     

    When you are moving as fast as you move, a little grammatical indiscretion is excusable (at least with me).  In other settings, I insist that the quality of your writing match the high level of your intelligence and talents.  I also insist that whenever I do something dumb you tell me about it...  

     

    I see it as part of my role as Coalition Chair to help staff realize their goals and potential.  I know you have goals, and I am even more sure about your potential.  It will be fun to watch your career.

    P.   "

    Now normally I would be appalled by his response.  How utterly embarrassing that I got a grammar lesson from this person!  So what if he's a doctor?  I've only known P for two years and admire him a great deal for his charisma and IQ, but already he's nitpicking my choice of words.  I don't care if he complimented on my intelligence and talents! 

    Nevertheless, without people like P who can be honest with me and still be able to teach me something, I would not be able to improve myself.  So there's my daily dose encouragement.