Everyone talks in code!

How often have you left a meeting with a customer or your boss telling yourself he likes my ideas. Only to find later that you didn’t get the sale or your boss has told everyone that you are crazy. nnAs we get older it seems to us that everyone talks in code. No one tells us what they really mean. Everything is hidden behind a veil of double talk. nnBut all is not lost. We found a copy of the code breaking manual on the web site of that well known code breaking magazine, Harpers Magazine.nnIt’s no ordinary code. This is special. We had many discussions before we decided to reveal the secrets of the code to you. nnThis is the code you need to understand what us Brits are talking about. nnIt was found on a wall in the European Courts of Justice and released to the world, by a journalist for The Economist (who else we hear you ask) in 2004. We thought it so important to your survival in the world that we have reproduced it here.nnWe hope it will change the course of the war against failed communication and create the foundation for ongoing successful conversations.nnWhat they say: I’m sure it’s my fault.nWhat is understood: It is his fault.nWhat they mean: It is your fault. nWhat they say: I’ll bear it in mind.nWhat is understood: He will probably do it.nWhat they mean: I will do nothing about it. nWhat they say: I was a bit disappointed that . . .nWhat is understood: It doesn’t really matter.nWhat they mean: I am most upset and cross. nWhat they say: By the way/Incidentally . . .nWhat is understood: This is not very important.nWhat they mean: The primary purpose of our discussion is ... nWhat they say: I hear what you say.nWhat is understood: He accepts my point of view.nWhat they mean: I disagree and do not want to discuss it any further. nWhat they say: Correct me if I’m wrong.nWhat is understood: Tell me what you think.nWhat they mean: I know I’m right—please don’t contradict me. nWhat they say: With the greatest respect . . .nWhat is understood: He is listening to me.nWhat they mean: I think you are wrong, or a fool. nWhat they say: That is an original point of view.nWhat is understood: He likes my ideas.nWhat they mean: You must be crazy! nWhat they say: Very interesting.nWhat is understood: He is impressed.nWhat they mean: I don’t agree, or I don’t believe you. nWhat they say: You must come for dinner sometime.nWhat is understood: I will get an invitation soon.nWhat they mean: Not an invitation, just being polite. nWhat they say: Quite good.nWhat is understood: Quite good. nWhat they mean: A bit disappointing. nThis may not be a complete list terms used in the code. The sources may be limited. But, it does give an insight into the way we communicate. It gives you a starting point to assess how often, when and where do you talk in code.nnGood LucknnGraham and Julienwww.desktop-meditation.comnn