An editor only in my mind
Check out Chez Julie’s interesting post that reminded me I wanted to write about this at all.
A lot of my job responsibilities are in reviewing documents and drawings*. And that has seeped over in to my personal life.
Let me warn you now – don’t ever send me anything** to review unless you are ready for suggestions and a lot of “did you think about this?” questions.
I am… let me make up a word, commentative.
Pretending to review something on my netbook
My poor sister. She is searching for interior design internships and sends me all of her cover letters to review. And I always have to say something! I just can’t help it! I’m all, “I am not sure if the tone is appropriate here.” And she’s like “Kim. This is the same cover letter as last time, with the firm name and a few other details swapped out and you thought that was fine before.” Oops. Sorry, Chris.
I just have to look for something to comment on, every time I am given something to review. I can’t help it. I think it makes the people I work with hate me. I like to think it makes me thorough. I secretly like reviewing things. Whether or not I know what I am doing (mostly not).
I have the same problem in meetings. If someone asks for an opinion I feel like I should come up with one. Why else would they ask, right?
Yeah. That one has gotten me in trouble.
I like to think that people must really want my opinion if they are asking for it? Maybe? Maybe?
Maybe I need to learn to keep my mouth shut?
When someone asks you for your opinion on something, do you usually spend the time to thoroughly review whatever it is and give your honest opinion?
*for accuracy and compliance, not grammar/spelling/and so on.
**things people ask me to review: websites, forms, surveys, invitations, emails, cover letters, resumes, retirement letters (just teasin’ ya, Dad), photos
Themocracy
If someone asks, I would think they truly want the opinion and for you to take the time to review it. I tend to do the same but depending on who it is, may not offer my true opinion!
Yes, if someone asks for an opinion, I give one. But I don’t find something just for the sake of having input.
I’d think your input would be appreciated. Not always?
Nah, I don’t think it is. 😛
So does not bother me! I especially love when I fit into a skinnier coworkers clothes, double score! Love the new pic btw!
if asked I will give an opinion. Also depending on the person I may freely give my opinion even if not asked. haha. And if its someone I really don’t care for I just move along. hahaha.
I am also very “commentative.” (Love the word, BTW). I’m a good editor and people (like my boss) come to me for my editing. This past year I’ve helped two friends write their grad school application letters. I also comment (too much) in meetings. I warn people who give me documents that I’m going to take out my red pen, but I don’t know if that helps much.
I would think if somone asks for your opionion in a meeting, the questions to aks yourself would be: How strongly do I hold this opinon? How important is this issue to me? How important is this issue to them?
After all, “I don’t have anything to add. I think you’ve covered everything well.” is an opionion, too, and sometimes that’s the one the person really wants to hear!
I think I need to remember “I don’t have anything to add.” Because some people do ask for my opinion and want that as a response, as you said! 🙂
I always tell them not to ask unless they REALLY want to know their butt does look big – LOL!
There are very people whose opinions I ask for. You’re one of the people I ask! So when I ask you know I really want to know. Otherwise, you’re right, I wouldn’t ask in the first place.
I’m not very good at giving my opinion during meetings but I’m getting better. Like other people said, I don’t say something just to say something but if I honestly think there’s something useful to be added to the conversation I’ll try to speak up.
I think it depends on the situation. If someone personally asks my opinion, then I honestly tell them what I think. Which might be why not too many people ask for it, because on top of everything else I have a slight problem with subtlety. Slight problem meaning, I don’t have any! But in the context of a talk or a meeting or class, just because somebody asks for questions or suggestions doesn’t mean I feel obliged to give them. I think it’s the years of students asking stupid questions or making mundane observations because they think it will help with attendance that have scarred me for life…
I’m a lot like you. My job requires me to edit other people’s work. I like to think people like us find jobs like that, rather than jobs like that make us opinionated/editorial people. =) We also make for great bloggers, because we always have something to say. =) If people ask what I’m thinking, I always tell the truth. What I’ve learned over time is how I communicate that truth is just as important as the opinion itself.
I always appreciate your feedback! (True story I just wrote “facebook” twice before my brain let me write feedback…) Sometimes it sucks hearing that things don’t sound right, but I’d rather you tell me than look like an idiot in front of a potential employer! 🙂