Today is the day to get back to the back.

I've been working really hard lately. You want to know why? Because I've discovered two little phrases that have changed my life: taking ownership of my work, and being proactive.

I'm not totally sure what either of these things mean, but both are very important to my employer, who enjoys it when I utilize these phrases as much as possible. And if I don't use them myself or put them into action, she does them for me, reminding me to take ownership of said work, as well as to be proactive. In fact, she thought it would be a good idea for me to put these things down as my goals for 2005. This is a lot different from 2004, where my goals were to be proactive, take ownership of my work and spellcheck more.

I'm still not totally sure what either phrase means, but I'm being proactive and taking ownership of my situation by striving, every day, to figure out the definition. Maybe one day I will find out.

Does your boss pepper you with confusing, possibly meaningless catchphrases, encouragements and critiques that sound impressive on a 'mission statement' (still not sure what that means, either) but don't really have much practical use in real life? Please email me. If I get enough responses to make myself and everybody else feel better, I will put them up next week. Until next time, I am being prompt, courteous to my superiors, proactive, and of course taking copious amounts of ownership of my work.