Quick Ideas 89 to 90 Edify, Edify, Edify The word edify comes Assignment originally from the Latin, Write down three positive meaning "to build." And things you can say about all of when others aren't around your coworkers. The next time but become a topic of dis- you're tempted to run any of them cussion, that's exactly what down, let the positive words you've you should do: build prepared come out of your mouth them up in their absence. instead. Any time you speak about a coworker, boss, or col- league, always speak positively about her. Never tear someone down, gossip about, or demean someone who is not around to defend himself. It's bad manners and poor form to run others down. And though most will never say it to your face, people listening to you run someone else down are secretly wondering if you do the same to them when they're not around. Sometimes Mom's adage is true: If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all. But if you must say something, find honestly positive things to say, such as: "I know John can be direct, but he's very intelli- gent," or "Lisa has had a rough year, but she's bringing a lot of value to our team." When people hear you edify others who are absent, they trust you will do the same for them when they are not around. Prove them right! 90 109