10 Ways to Reframe Difficult Work Questions

Greetings all!

I recently came across a fantastic post on LinkedIn on communicating with clarity and authority. Read on how changing the wording can build trust, as well as improve how others perceive you!

1. "Get to the point" -> "Can you help me understand the key takeaway?"

Shows respect while seeking clarity

2. "How did it take so long?" -> “Let's identify what slowed us down"
Shifts blame to problem-solving

3. "You've explained nothing" -> "Could we review the project scope together?"
Creates partnership mindset

4. "You're wasting my time" -> "Let's prioritise our efforts effectively"
Maintains professional boundaries

5. "Email is fine" -> "For non-urgent matters, email works best"
Sets clear communication preferences

6. "Did you even read my email?" -> "I may have miscommunicated my point"
Takes ownership of clarity

7. "Use your brain!" -> “Let's think this through strategically"
Invites collaborative problem-solving

8. "Leave me alone!" -> "I need focused time right now"
Protects boundaries respectfully

9. "Didn't ask for your opinion" -> "I'll reach out when I need input"
Maintains professional respect

10. "Don't pay me enough" -> "That's outside my current scope"
Keeps discussion solution-focused 

What did you think? Drop me a line!

Source: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mr-harvey-lee_using-savage-replies-only-holds-you-back-activity-7328758560765472768-WtcL?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAKuuaUBaUCHc_BBVkZWcXOIuFKbvDuMu-Q

The Best Way to Store Cucumbers

Greetings all! 

Do you love spring and all the fresh vegetables it brings? I always enjoy a variation of a cucumber-tomato salad, but I noticed that cucumbers do not last long and quickly become watery and mushy. Do you have the same problem?

Thankfully, Ann Taylor Pittman, who is an independent food writer and recipe developer, has found the winning method after trying 9 (yes, nine!) different ways to store cucumbers, one of which I have not even heard of! 

Not only that – but she tried these methods on 4 different kinds cucumbers: a traditional thick-skinned cucumber, an English cucumber (removed from its plastic wrapping), a Persian/mini cucumber, and a pickling cucumber. 

Here are her winning 4 ways with ratings:

1 (WINNER). Wrapped in Paper Towels, Sealed in Zip-Top Bag, on Fridge Shelf – 10/10: Cucumbers lasted 16-19 days!

2. Sealed in Zip-Top Bag with Spoon, on Refrigerator Shelf – 9.5/10 – this method was very new to me

3. Wrapped in Plastic Wrap, in the Crisper – 8/10

4. Wrapped in Paper Towels, Placed in Loose Bag in the Crisper – 7/10 – this is  what I have been doing but now I am going to switch to her #1 method!

Let me know how you store cucumbers! 

Source (with details on all the methods): 

• https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-store-cucumbers-showdown-23409153
• Photos: Paola + Murray; Food Styling: Olivia Mack McCool

Thought of the week – The Difference Between Preparing to Do It and Actually Doing It

Image from https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=542059&picture=coffee-retro-slogan-poster

“Things that aren’t doing the thing:

• Preparing to do the thing isn’t doing the thing.
• Scheduling time to do the thing isn’t doing the thing.
• Making a to-do list for the thing isn’t doing the thing.
• Telling people you’re going to do the thing isn’t doing the thing.
• Messaging friends who may or may not be doing the thing isn’t doing the thing.
• Writing a banger tweet about how you’re going to do the thing isn’t doing the thing.
• Hating on yourself for not doing the thing isn’t doing the thing.
• Hating on other people who have done the thing isn’t doing the thing.
• Hating on the obstacles in the way of doing the thing isn’t doing the thing.
• Fantasizing about all of the adoration you’ll receive once you do the thing isn’t doing the thing.
• Reading about how to do the thing isn’t doing the thing.
• Reading about how other people did the thing isn’t doing the thing.
• Reading this essay isn’t doing the thing. 

The only thing that is doing the thing is doing the thing.” 

~Loopy, as seen on https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/april-3-2025

Selection of Funnies: Carroll County Veterinary Clinic Signs

 

Sources (and more!): 

• https://www.aol.com/40-genius-jokes-vet-hospital-070301443.html
• https://www.instagram.com/carrollcountyveterinaryclinic/