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You know who I miss? Rick Sanchez. Well, kinda.
Say what you will, but a month without the CNN anchor and I am going through withdrawal.
I don’t know what it was about him. Maybe it was his pension for using Twitter as a reliable second source. Or his on air rants about many things and nothing at all.
What Rick Sanchez, Juan Williams and journalists who said one word too much have taught us is that even if you can say things well, sometimes it’s just better not to say them at all. Everyone is entitled to her point of view, but we often forget that we pay for the consequences as well.
Looking at the off-air and on-air comments that got these two in trouble, many have been quick to criticize. And rightly so, because both cases showed enormous irresponsibility. What they also showed is that the rule about keeping your house conversation in the house is still as relevant as it was when you were little and your parents scolded you and set you straight.
That dinner table scolding is as relevant today as it was in your childhood, and in no place is it more crucial than the office. Knowing what is appropriate to say at work is important. Knowing what not to say is imperative.
The rule should be “better safe than sorry.” So tales of your nightlife stories, romantic mishaps, and family dysfunction are better left for a mid-day Gchat session with friends. While you may have an urge to fill the space after your co-workers ask “how was your weekend?” the best answer may be the vaguest.
While it may be tempting, impressing your co-workers with a good story could cost you far more than cool points. Being relatable comes with a price as well. So the next time you think to share your latest escapade by the water cooler- think to yourself: should I keep this one in house?
