As someone fatigued by Tiger, gatecrashers, snark and snipes, I was heartened to see Jeffrey Zaslow’s recent article in The Wall Street Journal called, “Before You Gossip, Ask  Yourself This…”  The article suggests asking three simple questions before saying something to or about someone else: "Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?" 

I’ve been called naïve before (and will be again!) but what’s wrong with a little kindness?  Less face-to-face interaction seems to remove the barriers to civilized conversation (wow, I really sound Victorian, don’t I?).  Julia Hood, publishing director of PRWeek, says it better in a recent opinion piece for the magazine:  “People can be mean on the Web.”  Julia quotes a recent Euro RSCG Worldwide PR study that found 43% of consumers “feel less inhibited through social media,” while 20% use social media to “lash out about companies or brands.” 

Legitimate feedback is a gift.  When the game, however, becomes about who can deliver the snarkiest jab, the usefulness of the response is questionable.  And this philosophy extends to daily interactions with colleagues, business partners, friends and family.

So this year, I will be asking myself those three questions before I speak (remind me if I don’t!).  Who’s with me?