Mailbox

T+D, May, 2003

Keeping It Real I enjoyed Andrew Ewell's piece, "The Real Real World" (Concept, February). Most people of our generation would simply complain about the lack of employment, but he managed to use his creativity to turn [the problem] into something constructive. Ewell has a good sense of humor, and he didn't allow sarcasm and bitterness to take over the piece-a common problem with writers in our age bracket.

Keep writing.

Ben Butina

AT&T

butina@att.com

It Clicked!

[Re: Kevin Oakes's column E-Learning in January], I'm a Click2learn client using Aspen LMS and Toolbook Assistant tools. I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed his article. He includes a couple of stats on the success of other companies, which I greatly appreciated reading and sharing with the leadership team here at Express. I love the preliminary quotes as well; they are a riot! Keep it up, and thanks!

Diana Scott

diana.scott@expresspersonnel.com

The Flirting Debate

[Re: Haidee Allerton's column Working in February], I feel there must be a solid work relationship formed before any flirting is recommended. Flirting in the workplace usually carries negative consequences. Most men who flirt with women [at work] have good intentions, but 95 percent of the women don't know how to take the comments, which can lead to hostility.

Katrina N. Taylor

Assurant Group-Springfield, Ohio

Katrina_taylor@assurant.com

In theory, the way the column describes "good" flirting seems reasonable. It has also been known (more safely, I'd say) as charisma or charm. However, even with the caveat against crossing the line, it could be dangerous. Most people aren't tuned in enough to body language to make the distinction, either on the giving or receiving end. When people define signals differently, you have a recipe for disaster.

I wouldn't encourage use of the word flirting in our litigious environment. Better safe than sued.

Debbie Gilbert Taylor

Inline Plastics Corp.

dgilberttaylor@inlineplastics.com

Bob's Feedback

I was excited to tear into the March issue of T D. The word leadership emblazoned across the front immediately captured my attention. I thoroughly enjoy any banter about what constitutes leadership. We can spar all day about whether leadership is a natural talent set or can be trained. We can even disagree on the difference between leadership and management, or whether there is one. But we cannot disagree on the two characteristics that can be used to identify leadership-movement and followers.

When the very root of the word means "to lead," how can we miss the requirement that leadership must, as a matter of definition, cause movement? If you're standing still, what or who are you leading? Are you sure you're not just enjoying the same view for different reasons?

So, take a look around and see who is there with you. Now, go charge up a hill and look around again. If you're standing alone, the view may have improved but don't assume you're leading anything.

P.S. The quotes by Bob Blake and Bob Gately in Links were outstanding.

(Must be a Bob thing.)

Bob Snyder

USAF Retired

Editor's note: Thanks, Bob. For Bob's feedback on other matters, see the February edition of Mailbox.