My coworker is an annoying Miss Manners Wannabe who says, “You’re welcome!” with a chastising affect, meaning she expected a "thank-you."

When they say: I hate this. They could mean: I hate this. But they could also mean: I really hate this.

When they say: Nice job. They could mean: I haven't looked at it. But they could also mean: It's not great, but at least you got it

When they say: Get it done whenever you get a chance. They could mean: I really need it within the hour. But they could also mean: I’m givin

Before you write an email or go into a meeting, figure out what your best-case actionable objective is. Do you want them to understand how t