Talk behind someone's back today....

But make it a compliment. Some of the best compliments I've received at work have been behind my back where I ended up hearing about it later from a third party. Gossip-compliments are good for a couple reasons. First off - the typical embarrassment of receiving a compliment is diffused. I'm project managing a pretty large project right now and whenever I say "thanks" or compliment my BA, he starts in with not accepting the gratitude or qualifying my statement to undermine the compliment. This is pretty typical for most people. But when you hear a compliment that is second-hand, you don't argue with the messenger, you just think "that was nice of them to say that."

Gossip compliments are also nice because they seem more legit. Some people give good feedback because they think they're "supposed to" and they're trying to play a part. If it's behind your back, it's more meaningful.

So talk some shit, but good shit, behind someone's back today. And if you hear something good about one of your peers, sink the ship with some loose lips and pass on the message.

Temporary feel-good blog over. Rants to commence shortly.