Too often our use of language has become lazy, frivolous, and even counterproductive. We rely on clich s and bromides to communicate in such a way that our intentions are lost or misinterpreted. In a culture of "takeaways" and buzzwords, it requires study and cunning to keep language alive. In Mind over Memes: Passive Listening, Toxic Talk, and Other Modern Language Follies, Diana Senechal examines words, concepts, and phrases that demand reappraisal. Targeting a variety of terms, the author contends that a "good fit" may not always be desirable; delivers a takedown of the adjective "toxic"; and argues that "social justice" must take its place among other justices. This book also includes a critique of our modern emphasis on quick answers and immediate utility. By scrutinizing words and phrases that serve contemporary fads and follies, this book stands up against the excesses of language and offers engaging alternatives. Drawing on literature, philosophy, social sciences, music, and technology, Senechal offers a rich framework to make fresh connections between topics. Combining sharp criticism, lyricism, and wit, Mind over Memes argues for judicious and imaginative speech.

Based on the #1 New York Times bestseller The 5 Love Languages®(over 12 million copies sold), Dramatically improve workplace relationships simply by learning your coworkers' language of appreciation. This book will give you the tools to improve staff morale, create a more positive workplace, and increase employee engagement. How? By teaching you to effectively communicate authentic appreciation and encouragement to employees, co-workers, and leaders. Most relational problems in organizations flow from this question: do people feel appreciated? This book will help you answer "Yes!" A bestseller--having sold over 300,000 copies and translated into 16 languages--this book has proven to be effective and valuable in diverse settings. Its principles about human behavior have helped businesses, non-profits, hospitals, schools, government agencies, and organizations with remote workers. PLUS! Each book contains a free access code for taking the online Motivating By Appreciation (MBA) Inventory (does not apply to purchases of used books). The assessment identifies a person's preferred languages of appreciation to help you apply the book. When supervisors and colleagues understand their coworkers' primary and secondary languages, as well as the specific actions they desire, they can effectively communicate authentic appreciation, thus creating healthy work relationships and raising the level of performance across an entire team or organization. Take your team to the next level by applying The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace.

You Can't Talk to Me That Way!: Stopping Toxic Language in the Workplace stands up to verbally abusive bosses, co-workers, and others and says, "Enough!" It shows readers exactly what to say and do to end the humiliation and torment. Real injury-deep wounds and lasting pain-occurs as a result of verbal insults, putdowns, and ridicule in the workplace. This book is for anyone who has become discouraged, withdrawn and isolated at work due to verbal attacks-or, just as often, has been provoked into shouting matches and verbal confrontations with his or her attacker. Toxic language in the workplace causes people to withhold their best effort, transfer to a different division, or quit outright. Productivity and team spirit wither under a cloud of language meant to humiliate, hurt, and demean. To all those who spew such language at their co-workers, subordinates, and bosses, this book insists "You Can't Talk to Me That Way!" You Can't Talk to Me That Way!: Stopping Toxic Language in the Workplace: Presents a set of personal strategies for ending verbal assault and recovering from its effects Investigates the motives and methods of verbal attackers: who they are, how they operate, and why they torture others by verbal assaults Examines the psychology and circumstances of those targeted for verbal assault Suggests specific, practical steps companies can take to become aware of destructive environments and act quickly and legally to combat them Makes readers aware of their legal options if toxic language at work is damaging their reputations, career progress, and/or physical or psychological well-being Offers a vision of the compatible, decent workplace where employees can do their best work without fear of demeaning verbal assaults from work associates at any level