Have you caught yourself saying "we" when you meant "I"?
Why do we do so?
I guess it's a natural survival instinct to want to be part a school of fish or a herd of wildebeest.
Maybe it's part Asian cultural makeup where we put the group first before the individual, or perhaps at the back of our minds, we knew the nail that sticks out gets hammered down...
Another way of hiding behind "we" is to quote others extensively. Who and who said this, he said this, she said that. Sounds familiar?
If you are in a leadership position, try asking your co-workers for their feedback and you know what I mean.
I often have to repeat myself:
"Thanks for telling me what others think. Now what's your opinion on this matter?"
"Ah, ah, ee, ee, or, or..."
Of course defintely say "we", "us", "our team", etc; when its to share credit and compliments!
Guess what? Now everyone starts saying "I" - how "I" contributed with the idea generation, the hard work, blah, blah, blah.
Sure! Now modesty and humility goes out the window. Right...
Notice the below 2 statements when it's said with "I":
1) I liked what the management stands for, and have faith their interests are aligned with our shareholders' value. I therefore increased my stake in this core position.
2) The analyst's summary and target price of this company is in-line with my own analysis and homework. I initiate a new position in this company's stock.
By putting "I" into our investments or trading positions, if things don't work out, we can go back and review our judgement of people and analytical skills.
Steel gets stronger through the pounding between hammer and anvil.
What's worse than hiding behind "we"?
It's blaming "them".
Singapore Man of Leisure (welcome to my blog; just google it!)
