Is it possible I'm being just a little over-sensitive? No? That's what I thought.

I don’t know why, but I’ve been receiving a lot of email forwards that have really hit home recently. Take the one below, for example. I can definitely relate. Not that I am actually swearing at my coworkers, mind you (I can be surprisingly civil despite all odds), but that doesn’t stop me from thinking most of the “INSTEAD OF” quotes on a quasi-regular basis.

Speaking of my job, I feel like I need to get a couple of things off my chest. Out of context, most of the quotes listed below will (probably) not make a lot of sense. Trust me, though, it is really that kind of bad.

1. I don’t care what you think, it is not normal to lose over 50% of your staff in less than two months.



2. No. No, it isn’t possible to run this organization with a staff of four. Any other questions?



3. Why, for the love of God and all things holy, is “the daddy” still employed by this organization?



4. I’d love to do my job. However, it is increasingly difficult to accomplish things in a timely matter when starting certain tasks is contingent on other people finishing theirs first. Surprisingly, I am only able to work with what I have. I am not in the business of performing miracles.



5. Will we, at any point in the near future, have ANYTHING resembling leadership at this institution?

Okay, I’m done now. Here is the forward. Enjoy:

Dear Employees:

It has been brought to management's attention that some individuals throughout the company have been using foul language during the course of normal conversation with their co-workers.

Due to complaints received from some employees who may be easily offended, this type of language will no longer be tolerated.

We do, however, realize the critical importance of being able to accurately express your feelings when communicating with co-workers.

Therefore, a list of 18 New and Innovative 'TRY SAYING' phrases have been provided so that proper exchange of ideas and information can continue in an effective manner.

Number 1
TRY SAYING: I think you could use more training.
INSTEAD OF: You don't know what the f___ you're doing.

Number 2
TRY SAYING: She's an aggressive go-getter.
INSTEAD OF: She's a f___ing bit__.

Number 3
TRY SAYING: Perhaps I can work late.
INSTEAD OF: And when the f___ do you expect me to do this?

Number 4
TRY SAYING: I'm certain that isn't feasible.
INSTEAD OF: No f___ing way.

Number 5
TRY SAYING: Really?
INSTEAD OF: You've got to be sh___ing me!

Number 6
TRY SAYING: Perhaps you should check with ...
INSTEAD OF: Tell someone who gives a sh__.

Number 7
TRY SAYING: I wasn't involved in the project.
INSTEAD OF: It's not my f___ing problem.

Number 8
TRY SAYING: That's interesting.
INSTEAD OF: What the f___?

Number 9
TRY SAYING: I'm not sure this can be implemented.
INSTEAD OF: This sh__ won't work.

Number 10
TRY SAYING: I'll try to schedule that.
INSTEAD OF: Why the f___ didn't you tell me sooner?

Number 11
TRY SAYING: He's not familiar with the issues.
INSTEAD OF: He's got his head up his a__.

Number 12
TRY SAYING: Excuse me, sir?
INSTEAD OF: Eat sh__ and die.

Number 13
TRY SAYING: So you weren't happy with it?
INSTEAD OF: Kiss my a__.

Number 14
TRY SAYING: I'm a bit overloaded at the moment.
INSTEAD OF: F__ it, I'm on salary.

Number 15
TRY SAYING: I don't think you understand.
INSTEAD OF: Shove it up your a__.

Number 16
TRY SAYING: I love a challenge.
INSTEAD OF: This f___ing job sucks.

Number 17
TRY SAYING: You want me to take care of that?
INSTEAD OF: Who the f___ died and made you boss?

Number 18
TRY SAYING: He's somewhat insensitive.
INSTEAD OF: He's a pr_ck.

Thank You,
Human Resources