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On the parable of Hing Shi...
Feb. 18th, 2008 11:13 amI posted a parable of Hing Shi the other day because it struck a responsive note in my own work, not only because I can look at translations done years ago and blanch, but I can also look at assignments done last year and find improvements, and even the occasional error.
It occurs to me, however, that the reaction of the first artist in the story - "I couldn't find a single fault in my work. How could someone who found plenty of errors in his own work win over me?" - is also one of the prime reasons why most corporate communications suck.
Part of it has to do with conveying the impression that everything is under control. Part has to do with the PR department's inherent reluctance to focus on negatives (unless they relate to a competitor, but even so, good PR departments don't dwell on putting down the competition).
Another reason why company newsletters, blogs, and so on reflect a business version of "the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average" is, of course, the potential legal ramifications. Admitting to any shortcoming - no matter how slight - is liable to get you sued.
Still, there are doubtless ways of presenting one's business self in an interesting manner. The trick is to find them.
Cheers...
It occurs to me, however, that the reaction of the first artist in the story - "I couldn't find a single fault in my work. How could someone who found plenty of errors in his own work win over me?" - is also one of the prime reasons why most corporate communications suck.
Part of it has to do with conveying the impression that everything is under control. Part has to do with the PR department's inherent reluctance to focus on negatives (unless they relate to a competitor, but even so, good PR departments don't dwell on putting down the competition).
Another reason why company newsletters, blogs, and so on reflect a business version of "the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average" is, of course, the potential legal ramifications. Admitting to any shortcoming - no matter how slight - is liable to get you sued.
Still, there are doubtless ways of presenting one's business self in an interesting manner. The trick is to find them.
Cheers...
