Quiet Dignity and Grace

I don't pretend to know how hard it is to be a CEO, and to have to announce layoffs.

But as a former journalist and tech writer, I recognize boilerplate when I see it.

Inc. Magazine screamed this headline Jan. 19:

 

Empathy is a good thing. We need more of it, to be sure.

However, here are the words Inc. praised so loudly:

To their credit, Microsoft is indeed being pretty kind to the laid-off workers, per the article linked above. Six months of severance, six months of extended health care benefits, and extended options on company stock. The actions deserve high praise.

The words, however . . .

Thoughtful and transparent.

What do they mean, exactly in this context? Surely, they're not revealing to everyone who is being laid off by name, nor are they likely to be explicit in their candor on why the layoffs had to occur in the first place.

The actions are exemplary, as pointed out by Inc's columnist, and should be lauded.

The words, however, are boilerplate and give the warmth of a wintertime sun. They're likely to be emulated, as other buzzy buzzwords have been in the same space.

Praise the actions, but beware the praise of words.

There is quiet dignity and grace. Lovely words indeed.

Then there are these three words: