What’s in a Name?

I work with diverse colleagues that say Thanks, hon, sweetie, kiddo, ma'am. This comes from colleagues that are male, female, intergenerational, and of various ethnic backgrounds. They say this as an endearment in a casual business environment. My father uses kiddo whenever I accomplish my goals-even now that I am 27. These terms are tokens of encouragment and appreciation professionally and personally. However, if you are uncertain, you can pick up the meaning by the tone of voice used or simply question the person who made the comment.

WOW! I seriously hope you have had a chance to take a look at what you wrote in this blog. If I were you I would be ashamed that as a grown women I wrote such a bitter excerpt. You made such a point to note that "she no longer works for the organization" as if in your tone, "if she didn't you'd make sure she got the boot". You really should consider the damage you've done to your reputation as professional women read this and think of your unprofessional remarks.

As an 2X wartime Vet/2X disabled was ashamed about that News from my own native state that got on G.M.A. this morning. Was glad to have heard Women For Hire was there for our safety net. I had already commented on it locally but for the story to have reached GMA,what a draaaaaaaaaag for we with the short end of the stick/Americans with Disabilities Act!!! Won't git in to how I'd trouble-shoot that damage control since I'm not registered with Women For Hire but don't be afraid to contact me for that reason either. Besides thanks again being there for we Hoosiers (but about registering) wouldn't want to be the first guy-lol

Depends where, when and in front of who. As a professional courtesy, if you are being called kiddo in front of individuals you are responsible for mentoring and managing, it could be unconfortable, maybe even degrading. One on one situations, perhaps discussing business on a more casual level, recognize that you are working with other human beings and to expect everyone to maintain 100% business, 100% of the time is not realistic. Sometimes you have to relax a bit to allow the good "brain juices" to flow. The most important point I'm going to make here is if you feel like a comment is inappropriate, then take ADULT action instead of holding a grudge. Let the person know that you understand no harm meant, but the comment/nickname made you feel uncomfortable and you perfer being called by your name. Boundries are no good if people don't know they exist. From personal experience, I have had experiences on the floor that definitely were inappropriate. An owner has told me he didn't like a particular decision I made and didn't agree with it. That was embarassing and degrading. After allowing myself a cooling off period, I met with him in private. I told him that I appreciated his thoughts, but if he had issues with one of my management decisions, that I deserved to have those areas discussed in private. This is especially critical since he didn't have all the facts and once they were brought to light, there was no issue regarding the quality of certain decisions. So, far, he has respected those boundaries.

Kiddo is a term of endearment, kiddo.
You might like to appreciate it.

I am a candidate for graduation 2007 with my B.B.A in Human Resource Management and I am seeking work from jobs information.

Thanks

I am a candidate for graduation 2007 with my B.B.A in Human Resource Management and I am seeking work from jobs information.

Thanks

What's in a name only has a much power as you give it. Just like every other word a woman doesn't like to be called. The more attention you give it, the more power it holds over you. I have a family friend that would tell me on a regular basis what she thought I thought about myself, that I thought I was this and I thought I was that. I think I was about 25 when I turned on my heal, looked her straight in the eyes and told her, that yes, I did think that. At 25, I obviously still had things to learn, but at that point in my life, , whatever she thought I thought about myself was true. I carry myself in a way that I don't feel it necessary to tell you who I am and if I have to tell you then you're more informed than you were when you busy trying to guess.

I have lived in several states because of my professional growth both in the corporate world and in my own businesses. When living in the south a few years I found at first difficult to accept the way I was treated as a woman because I didn't think they took me serious but after awhile when I was closing deals and making relationships I realized that was their way of letting me know they appreciated my work. When I moved back north I found that most found it hard to approach me so they used phrases to see how I would react so they could read me. After awhile I grew to understand that if I am not being sexually harrassed that most people talk to each other like they would at home, I feel better about that than trying read into what everyone is saying and if they approve of my work or if they respect what I do. If they don't I can assure you, you will know in very short time .

Woah, you're taking yourself WAY to seriously. It's not like she called you "greenhorn" or "snotnose". "Kiddo" is a rather neutral term of affection and/or collegial affability. (In the context of a demeaning remark, I suppose it could be taken badly, like any other normally uncharged epithet.) You must be very insecure, kiddo! At your age, you really should have more self-assurance.

I would take "kiddo" as a compliment that you are youthful. When 20 somethings start calling you MISS again, then you know they a)see you as old, or b) they can't figure it out and had to go through 2 steps of thinking to get to the miss, rather than the ma'am, which would be for someone 15 years older.

Where is your self-esteem? When "older" colleagues refer to me as a "beautiful girl" or "kiddo" as is often the case, I know where they are coming from - they are impressed with my performance and are (maybe subconsciously) pointing out two charactistics that don't often go with a great performance. If I were an imbecile, I might be offended - I know what I do is impressive and am confident to allow experienced colleagues to refer to me in their own way as a young competent executive!! Why don't you chill out and allow them to BE the older, wiser(?), experienced person and don't be so sensitive!

This has nothing to do with work but recently some children in my neighborhood referred to me as the "old ppl down the street". I don't think 42 is old but I guess it is to the Nick Teen generation. LOL But I take it in stride as a sign of respect.

Good point Alicia! Ma'am in different parts of the country could have different connotations - here in NYC it feels like I'm over the hill or maybe that's just my interpretation. haha. In any event, thanks for the advice!

Funny you should mention this, just yesterday someone called me kiddo at work and I cringed. A part of me wonders am I taken seriously and the other half thinks maybe I am being overly sensitive. Whatever the case depending on the situation one word or name can change your entire mood. In the South, it is considered courteous to call someone mam but it takes some getting use to as a term of endearment. I wonder if you just told the person that you would rather be called by your given name instead would it invite any tension.