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Not many of us have had a word added to
the English language in our honor. But then, George Bernard Shaw is not
like many of us. The term Shavian means having the character of George
Bernard Shaw.
Shaw, who received the 1925 Nobel
Laureate in Literature, was the antithesis of milquetoast. This week’s
quote embodies Shaw’s controversial nature. Moreover, as you shall see,
it is relevant in the workplace today. In fact, as with all the quotes we
bring you, we encourage you to write and tell us how this has aided your
communications. Your feedback helps us focus the content to serve you
better.
Ric Moxley – Managing
Editor
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All
progress
means war with society.
— George
Bernard Shaw
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Key Point
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While Shaw's statement appears, at first, to be purely a
reference to the physical battlefield, this bit of Shavian wisdom has
direct relevance to the business environment. War is conflict. In any
functional, competitive business, does a day go by without contentious
encounters? Conflict with competitors, with government regulating
bodies, with partners, and with fellow employees is unavoidable — even
necessary — in the daily business of doing business.
To progress, to move forward in a meaningful way, a company
will inevitably meet with resistance from some, and outright hostility
from others. The greater the goal, the greater the resistance — expect
it. When you and your associates recognize and accept that, indeed,
"all progress means war with society," then you are armed and
ready for it.
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Marketing
Value
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Successful competition in the marketplace can only be
achieved by breaking from the mediocrity of the masses — by shattering
norms; by trying new things. Molds must be broken: new processes must
be performed. It is human nature to resist change, so expect hostile
reactions from inside and outside your company. Thanks to the wisdom of
Shaw, the war you face need not take you by surprise.
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In Speaking . . .
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In a formal speech, this quote from Shaw is an effective
way to introduce substantive changes required to meet business goals.
In employing it, you acknowledge your audience's natural feelings of
resistance to the change. That sensitivity can foster unity in the
fight against the true enemies of your company's progress, rather than
against you, the perceived enemy.
In informal conversation, perhaps with an associate that has just
been stung by a foe, quote George Bernard Shaw, pointing out that all
progress means war. It can help the battle weary co-worker gain
perspective, allowing the beleaguered employee to remember that there
is an ideal being sought, that the conflicts being dealt with are
resistance to progress. This can be an encouraging perspective.
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In Writing . . .
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Whether used to explain existing conflicts or to
prepare your company for anticipated battles, quoting Shaw at the
beginning of your communiqué will engender curiosity, drawing them in
to your message. With attention thus riveted, your message — the answer
to why you used to this quote — will be understood and more warmly
welcomed than without it.
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Beyond the
Workplace . . .
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When community action is needed to overcome a problem in
your neighborhood, let this quote from George Bernard Shaw be the rally
cry that unifies the residents to work as a team and prepares them for
outside conflicts, less prone to see one another as the enemy.
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What is Your
Favorite Quote?
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Do you have a favorite quote that has either served you
inspirationally in the workplace or has been a nice bit of spice in
speech or in writing? Write
and tell us about it. We may feature your quote in a future issue
to inspire others.
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Let
WriteWorks Help
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When you are ready to progress, be prepared for battle.
And remember that language is both a sword and a shield in your
internal and external communications. Sharpen that sword and temper
that shield by employing the wordsmith expertise of WriteWorks. Our corporate
communications professionals infuse your speech or letter with a
persuasive flair, delivered with a professional sensitivity. Contact us
to discuss your needs and learn how easy — and beneficial! — it is to do business with us.
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