A few years ago I proposed a “hot air” tax on customers who carried on conversations on their cell phones while paying for their purchase or who made a stink in the store for no reason other than to hear their own voice. I was told by my colleagues (who did think it was a funny concept) that it probably violated free speech to tax people for hot air.
With that said, I think imposing a limit on the “hot air” we put out in the workplace can create a healthier work environment that has more candor and class than others. Very often, managers will create change for the sake of it rather than for any need, and often will criticize or give feedback where it isn’t necessary.
Do with your actions and your looks what your words can’t quite say; sometimes a simple gesture or look will get the same point across without bringing down the morale of the entire team.
