{"id":5323,"date":"2025-05-29T23:10:38","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T22:10:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/?p=5323"},"modified":"2025-05-29T23:10:40","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T22:10:40","slug":"dear-managers-professional-courtesy-is-not-negotiable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/2025\/05\/29\/dear-managers-professional-courtesy-is-not-negotiable\/","title":{"rendered":"Dear Managers: Professional Courtesy Is NOT Negotiable"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:38px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"497\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Leader-on-arrow-pointing-forward-Daniel-Mena-Pixabay.jpg?resize=640%2C497&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5324\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Leader-on-arrow-pointing-forward-Daniel-Mena-Pixabay.jpg?resize=1024%2C795&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Leader-on-arrow-pointing-forward-Daniel-Mena-Pixabay.jpg?resize=300%2C233&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Leader-on-arrow-pointing-forward-Daniel-Mena-Pixabay.jpg?resize=768%2C596&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Leader-on-arrow-pointing-forward-Daniel-Mena-Pixabay.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:47px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Some tough love:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Something needs to change in how you handle your interpersonal interactions. And taking no action is not an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the last few months, I\u2019ve seen or experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/2025\/04\/30\/how-your-customer-service-staff-emails-repel-and-negate-your-reputation\/\">poor customer service<\/a> from junior and mid-level staff in other organisations. Still, I attributed the unprofessional attitudes and behaviours to their limited professional experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After all, managers, your twenties and thirties were periods when you got some sympathy for the errors made. Communication blunders were almost a rite of passage in corporateville. Remember those cringeworthy fallouts that played out in unfortunate email trails or during one-on-one \u2018disagreements\u2019 (aka biting verbal exchanges)?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, as you navigated tense moments over the years, you learned, willingly or otherwise, that certain behaviours didn&#8217;t bode well with peers, supervisors and subordinates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, given multiple channels customers use to lodge complaints (emails, telephone calls, social media, and formal letters), you should know better. Because of your significant experience and mistakes you&#8217;d learned from over the years, it\u2019s surprising that you&#8217;re sometimes the worst perpetrators of poor interpersonal behaviours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on what I\u2019ve observed in corporateville over the last five years, I believe there is a <a href=\"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/2022\/06\/29\/incivility-at-the-workplace-what-its-costing-your-company-and-how-to-solve-it\/\">crisis of incivility at work<\/a>. As a result, managers, you\u2019d need to discard the toxic attitudes and behaviours you\u2019ve developed over the years so that you can be trained on effective communication, beginning with interpersonal communication. And at the core of healthy interpersonal relationships is <em>professional courtesy<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, dear managers, below are two significant points you should note about this key attribute:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1) Professional courtesy in the workplace is NOT a privilege to be dispensed<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>I know you\u2019ve worked hard to get to your current position. You may also have been burned a few times by being nice. Yes, people took advantage of you and mistook your even-tempered, collaborative nature for granted. Understandably, over time, you erected walls and focused on only those who supported you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, Lisa in Sales, who ghosted you when you needed important data that only she could provide? Ignore her 10 calls and urgent WhatsApp messages when <em>she<\/em> needs your input on a time-sensitive task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What about Peter in Accounting, who promised to teach you how to use that new software, but who, at the last minute, became too busy to help? Deliberately ignore his email for three days. Then, respond at 4:58 p.m. on day four to explain how swamped you are with a big project, and unfortunately, you can\u2019t help him. The icing on the payback cake? Offer no suggestions, even though you know someone who could bail him out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Displaying professional courtesy in season and out of season is difficult. However, promoting psychological safety and nurturing trust among your peers and subordinates is necessary. Although you may be justified in your uncharitable behaviours towards the undeserving party, remember this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a manager, you can influence staff retention or trigger attrition by your professionalism or lack thereof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Competent managers extend professional courtesy, which includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:17px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>a) Speaking respectfully to all, regardless of rank or status<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>b) Displaying appropriate <a href=\"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/2019\/02\/27\/boost-your-credibility-with-effective-nonverbal-communication\/\">nonverbal cues<\/a> in one-to-one or one-to-group interactions (e.g., smiling, nodding, and avoiding behaviours that may be perceived as standoffish in the prevailing culture, such as folding arms and rolling eyes)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>c) Responding to emails within 24 hours, or at the latest, 48 hours (unless there\u2019s limited access to internet coverage)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>d) Writing clear emails using the <a href=\"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/2022\/05\/31\/your-tone-is-ruining-your-emails-heres-how-to-fix-it\">appropriate tone<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>e) Respecting boundaries (so not demanding that calls and messages be handled outside work hours or at weekends) and, if an emergency occurs, then apologising for the intrusion before making the request<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>f) Addressing complaints in a semi-formal style, using neutral language devoid of accusations and emotionally charged expressions. (For example: \u2018It\u2019s unfair to state that&#8230;\u2019, and \u2018I find it unfortunate that\u2026\u2019)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:13px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>g) Disagreeing with tact (e.g., \u2018I recommend\u2026\u2019, \u2018I\u2019m concerned that\u2026\u2019, and \u2018Could we consider another option for\u2026?\u2019)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>h) Ensuring their word is their bond, so doing what they said they would, or providing alternatives<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you believe that you regularly extend professional courtesy to others in the workplace, realise that a simple but powerful shift will cement your efforts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Professional courtesy is <em>not<\/em> a privilege you extend to a deserving party. It\u2019s a non-negotiable attribute that management expects you to display because of your maturity and influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, fake it if you must. But if your interpersonal problems increase due to a lack of professional courtesy, complaints will pour in from different quarters. As a result, colleagues will decline to collaborate with you, and the performance of your direct reports will dwindle because of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gallup.com\/workplace\/398306\/quiet-quitting-real.aspx\/\">quiet quitting<\/a>. Consequently, management, fed up with the unfavourable reports, may demote you, move you to a \u2018dull\u2019 unit or get rid of you altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about what\u2019s at stake for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2) Professional courtesy is critical when dealing with <em>external<\/em> clients <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:52px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"453\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Phone-cords-pointing-to-customer-service-ball-Gerd-Altmann-Pixabay.jpg?resize=640%2C453&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5327\" style=\"width:796px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Phone-cords-pointing-to-customer-service-ball-Gerd-Altmann-Pixabay.jpg?resize=1024%2C724&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Phone-cords-pointing-to-customer-service-ball-Gerd-Altmann-Pixabay.jpg?resize=300%2C212&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Phone-cords-pointing-to-customer-service-ball-Gerd-Altmann-Pixabay.jpg?resize=768%2C543&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Phone-cords-pointing-to-customer-service-ball-Gerd-Altmann-Pixabay.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:43px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You may be considered toxic by your peers or subordinates in your organisation because of your poor interpersonal skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it\u2019s worse to be labelled unprofessional by outsiders. Realise that their negative perception of you extends to the organisation you represent, causing reputational damage that your employer won\u2019t tolerate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If in doubt, learn from the real-life scenario below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Case Study: X Bank Manager\u2019s Nonexistent Professional Courtesy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Recently, I requested that my bank update my accounts with a new address. I wrote the usual letters and emailed them to the officer in charge of my accounts, Ms R. She then requested some confidential information in an email, which I communicated my reservations about, but I complied with other requests. However, she mentioned some administrative purpose instead of explaining why the sensitive details were required. She also made it clear that without the information, my accounts could not be updated with the new information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;d held accounts at that bank for over nine years, and in that time, I&#8217;d had frustrating interactions with Ms R. Therefore, I wasn\u2019t surprised by her nonchalant attitude. So, I decided to ask for advice from the bank manager, Ms S, who was helpful in the past, and who, at least, would respond by text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But last week, the situation was different. I called the bank manager, Ms S, but she didn&#8217;t respond. I thought nothing of it and sent an SMS asking for quick clarification. Then I waited and waited. When I received no response via telephone, text or email, I&#8217;d had enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I then contacted a zonal manager of the bank, Ms T, who was on a higher grade than Ms S. I explained my predicament and declared that because of the unprofessional way my concerns were handled, I\u2019d considered closing all my accounts in the bank. Ms T swiftly apologised for the poor service I received and explained the reason the bank needed the confidential information at the backend, which I understood. Her explanation took less than one minute and was logical. Ms T then offered to personally follow up until my accounts were updated. She also requested the names and contact details of Ms R and Ms S so that she could discuss with them privately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ms T kept to her word, and eventually, the update I requested was completed. In an email, I thanked Ms T for her intervention and provided the contact details of Ms R and Ms S, which she had requested. I also expressed my displeasure at the lack of professional courtesy displayed by the two officials and politely requested an apology from the bank manager. Finally, I said I&#8217;d appreciate a new officer being assigned to my accounts. (I had endured the unprofessional conduct from Ms R for years and decided I didn\u2019t need to be subjected to poor service anymore).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The behaviour of Ms S, the bank manager, reinforced my observations about the unfortunate trend I now see in corporateville. When customers escalate issues to managers for their attention and subsequent resolution, the aggrieved are handled like an inconvenience or a trouble to be tolerated or avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a manager, realise that your role entails managing people and processes to ensure customer satisfaction and optimal performance in your unit. You achieve these results by combining your functional skills with professional courtesy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, if a client brings an issue to your attention, please note what <em>not<\/em> to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>I) <\/strong><strong>Don&#8217;t a<\/strong><strong>ssume that the matter is frivolous<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if someone else can handle the issue, professional courtesy demands <em>you<\/em> respond to the customer\u2019s enquiry before delegating it to a subordinate for action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>II)<\/strong><strong> Don&#8217;t r<\/strong><strong>emain selective <\/strong><strong>about<\/strong><strong> <\/strong><strong>whom <\/strong><strong>you <\/strong><strong>help<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your decision to solve problems should not be contingent on the class or perceived influence of the person requesting help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your direct reports mirror your attitudes and behaviours, so don\u2019t set a bad example for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>III) D<\/strong><strong>on&#8217;t d<\/strong><strong>elay responding within 24 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the very least, acknowledge the email within that timeframe and assure the other party you will follow up. Also, <a href=\"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/2013\/09\/28\/feedback-the-most-important-facet-in-communications\/\">give prompt and factual feedback<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>IV) <\/strong><strong>Don&#8217;t b<\/strong><strong>ecome defensive or <\/strong><strong>declare<\/strong><strong> why\/how something cannot be done<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a customer\/client communicates a concern or requests clarification, provide the information. Don\u2019t hide behind your administrative rules or procedures and claim nothing can be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, don&#8217;t expect your responses to be sufficient without addressing the rationale behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:14px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>V) <\/strong><strong>Don&#8217;t a<\/strong><strong>dopt an impolite, abrasive or unhelpful tone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a nutshell, you\u2019re the<em> chief customer service officer<\/em> of your department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should be the sane voice to calm the storm when dissatisfied clients threaten to withdraw their business or subordinates lose their way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:43px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn from the case study of Ms S. Professional courtesy insulates you from queries about your performance and reputation from your organisation\u2019s management. Why self-sabotage your career advancement?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:43px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Service-against-black-background-Pete-Linforth-Pixabay.png?resize=640%2C426&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5329\" style=\"width:816px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Service-against-black-background-Pete-Linforth-Pixabay.png?resize=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Service-against-black-background-Pete-Linforth-Pixabay.png?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Service-against-black-background-Pete-Linforth-Pixabay.png?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Service-against-black-background-Pete-Linforth-Pixabay.png?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:47px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>On the surface, professional courtesy seems like a minor issue to overlook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it shapes the perceptions of your professionalism and maturity inside the organisation. It also enhances your work relationships and signals to management that you can be trusted with leadership roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Outside the organisation, your professional courtesy reflects well on your organisation, amplifies your credibility, and drives commendations that will make management notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bottom line?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you complement professional courtesy with your technical capabilities, you\u2019ll differentiate yourself from peers and become memorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Over to you:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you need help boosting your speaking, interpersonal or business writing skills to influence people and get results?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, sign up <a href=\"https:\/\/mailchi.mp\/095c3901b043\/communication-services-with-lucille-ossai\">here<\/a> for my free quarterly newsletters and learn best practices. When you sign up, you\u2019ll receive my evergreen resource on giving persuasive presentations<strong>. <\/strong>Ensure you download and refer to that document before any high-stakes speech or presentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:71px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>N.B:<\/u><\/strong> First and last images are courtesy of Daniel Mena via Pixabay. Second image is courtesy of Gerd Altmann via Pixabay. Last image is courtesy of Pete Linforth Pixabay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a manager, you may think that professional courtesy doesn\u2019t move the needle for your career. You\u2019re wrong. Selective customer service is now the norm. So infusing professional courtesy in your communications heightens your credibility and maturity, and earmarks you for advancement. In this article, Lucille Ossai, an international award-winning communications trainer, shares a real-life case study and provides practical ways to differentiate yourself with this powerful attribute.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5324,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"everybody","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":false,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[23],"tags":[1199,651,1046],"class_list":["post-5323","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-communication","tag-incivility-at-work","tag-managers","tag-professional-courtesy"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Leader-on-arrow-pointing-forward-Daniel-Mena-Pixabay.jpg?fit=1280%2C994&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5729,"url":"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/2025\/12\/31\/stop-accepting-the-predictable-nine-unexpected-articles-that-reshaped-2025\/","url_meta":{"origin":5323,"position":0},"title":"Stop Accepting The Predictable: Nine Unexpected Articles That Reshaped 2025","author":"Lucille Ossai","date":"December 31, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Nine communication and leadership articles that reshaped 2025 \u2014 from non-negotiable grammar and radical specificity to content positioning for AI recommendations, inclusive leadership, and the Global 4-Domain Communication Skills Rating Tool\u2122.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;communication&quot;","block_context":{"text":"communication","link":"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/category\/communication\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Change-on-puzzle-pieces-Peggy-and-Marco-Lachmann-Anke.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Change-on-puzzle-pieces-Peggy-and-Marco-Lachmann-Anke.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Change-on-puzzle-pieces-Peggy-and-Marco-Lachmann-Anke.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Change-on-puzzle-pieces-Peggy-and-Marco-Lachmann-Anke.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Change-on-puzzle-pieces-Peggy-and-Marco-Lachmann-Anke.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":60,"url":"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/2014\/09\/27\/discussion-forum-2-what-would-make-you-happy-at-work\/","url_meta":{"origin":5323,"position":1},"title":"Discussion Forum #2 &#8211; What Would Make You Happy At Work?","author":"Lucille Ossai","date":"September 27, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Happy employees do great things for the organisation. Join this discussion and air your views about all the things Management could do to make you happier at work. 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