Andy Lykens

Innovating and operating through growth

Posts

Acronyms

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It’s possible to dizzy people by stringing together acronyms like paper dolls. They are faster to use than an actual team name or tool (most of the time). You may even feel like you have more cache around the office because you’re always using acronyms that not everyone in the room knows. And of course there’s the typing – the countless key strokes saved by quickly hammering out a few letters instead of a few words.

It’s also possible to avoid acronyms, especially in situations when you can’t be entirely confident everyone will understand them.

In the first scenario you save a little time, and feel like an insider. In the second, you can be more clear and inclusive in your communications.

You choose.

Speaking the language

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When visiting a foreign country with a language other than your mother tongue, it’s usually a good idea to spend some time learning key phrases. For example, when friends come to Italy most people know the word for “Thank you” (“grazie,” pronounced grat-zee-ay). I usually teach them 3 more words: vorrei questo/quello (pronounced vorr-ay-ee kway-stoe/kway-low). This simple phrase is a polite way to say “I would like this/that” and, in conjunction with pointing, is so handy when you want food, a souvenir, or the quickest way to a restroom.

These simple words go a long way to demonstrate that you care enough to be polite, and are trying to meet people where they are. In fact, you can totally butcher the phrases and people will appreciate you trying. This isn’t because you’re some genius, or because you’re doing something exceedingly well, it’s because you’re doing something that most people don’t even attempt. They’d rather not do the work and have people come to them.

When it comes to work, we have the same opportunity. Not only is there common language amongst our colleagues, but we also have tools, workflows and personalities to understand too. Each of these things requires more effort than the equivalent of showing up and speaking your native tongue in a foreign land.

In all of these situations, between the internet and tour guides (knowledgeable colleagues) it is possible to learn almost anything you need to know in order to meet people halfway.

Are you impressed by someone who’s great with pivot tables? There’s a YouTube video to help you collaborate better. Want to know what the acronym means? Speak up in the meeting (chances are everyone who doesn’t use it every day forgot too). Not sure the best way to integrate business units? Ask the team leads.

So the next time you’re attempting to do pretty much anything, ask yourself: what simple thing can I learn that will set me apart as a conscientious human?

Do it for the algorithm

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Get lots of likes, clicks, and link-backs. And shares, shares are important for network effects.

Definitely don’t ask people what they think of the result – and if they tell you anyway, just ignore it. Feel free to ignore the tradeoffs too. Only apologize if you have to. Definitely avoid responsibility at all costs.

Forget about the person that needs it. Forget about what’s good for the team. Don’t do it because it will make the product better. And that vision you started with? Who cares.

Do it at the right time, with the right link, and the right keywords. Do it to be the top hit in search.

Make it faster. More swiping. Less thinking. Shorter. Catchier. Easier. Make sure notifications are enabled.

Do it for the algorithm.

So the algorithm can sell more ads.