Q: My name is Kali (rhymes with ‘daily’). My new boss constantly mispronounces my name (he makes it sound like it rhymes with ‘tally’). It really annoys me but I think I’ve waited too long to say anything about it. How can I correct my boss without embarrassing us both?
–Feeling Awkward in Richmond Heights
A: It shouldn’t be too late to correct this problem, and I believe you can get the point across to your boss without either of you experiencing awkwardness or embarrassment. I’d suggest simply dropping by his office and asking if he has a moment to speak with you. Given the opportunity, sit down with him, and in a relaxed, unassuming—yet respectful tone of voice, say: “I hope you don’t mind my bringing this to your attention, but many people don’t know that my first name is actually pronounced ‘Kali,’ like ‘daily;’ I should have shared this with you sooner, and I apologize, but I thought you would want to know.” Addressing the issue with your boss in private and explaining that mispronunciation of your name is a common occurrence should make this a less thorny issue to resolve. A tip: If you are having business cards printed, you might consider having a horizontal line typeset over the ‘a’ in ‘Kali’ to help remind clients of the correct pronunciation … on a ‘daily’ basis.
A few words of advice for office party revelers this holiday season:
Observe the unwritten rules of office party etiquette to preserve your reputation and guard against committing a regrettable faux pas. Avoid altogether or keep alcohol consumption to a minimum to maintain your equanimity; you may be making a big mistake should you allow alcohol to lower your social inhibitions to a degree that alters your personality, especially when chatting with a boss or co-workers. And certainly don’t consume any alcohol if you will be driving later on. Although holiday office parties usually allow staff to let their hair down a little, take heed of the phrase, ‘a little.’ Avoid telling off-color jokes, performing unflattering impersonations of or mocking your office associates or others at your company—or even patrons of other companies that may be located in your office building. Be especially careful not to transgress the bounds of casual office banter into risqué, sexually suggestive talk while on company grounds or at off-site holiday gatherings. Further, I’d advise against starting or participating in any hot-button issue debates or gossip that could lead to angry or hurtful exchanges; many times these lead to quarrels that result in long-lasting, negative repercussions extending well beyond the festivities of the holiday season. It may be true that “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” but what happens at a holiday office party can affect you where you live and work.
[If you have a question for Joan, send it to business@townandstyle.com. Joan Lee Berkman is a marketing and public relations consultant.]
