I’m often amused by someone who refers to themselves in the third person because my experience is that don’t have anyone else’s interest at heart but theirs, no matter how flowery their speech.

We experience over-the-top examples of third person speech in politics and sports, but it’s everywhere. Rather than saying, “My plan for America “or “I had a good game,” it’s “Senator Joe Blow’s plan for America” or “AH had a good game.” (AH stands for a**hole)

Perhaps we can forgive coddled athletes or out of touch politicians, but it becomes much more difficult when we have real world examples closer to home. And it’s insanely problematic if we are the culprit.

Here is some more real world experience. I haven’t yet met a third person referrer that has ever changed. It seems it’s like eye color - you get it for life. I have met some who recognize it presents a problem for them when attempting to get what they want, so they’ve used temporary, deceptive, colored contact lenses, so to speak, rather than make the effort to change.

Please don’t freak out if you’ve ever done this; my experience is a lot of us have done so on occasion. That’s not a problem. It’s the serial third person referrer you have to be careful around. To quote my late stepfather: “They will steal the eyes out of your head and tell you that you look better without them.”

I usually don’t write a lot of rants but today is an exception because I’m noticing the third person practice is on the increase. If you are a manager and you have a potential hire in front of you using the third person, may I suggest you move on to someone else no matter how exceptional the resume. The headaches and heartaches it will save you are priceless.

If it’s the guy who wants to cut your lawn, get someone else no matter how cheap their services are. You will pay for it on the back end if you go with them.

Third person referrers will flame out before their time whether it’s in politics, sports or sitting at the helm of a John Deere.

It’s the easiest warning sign I know of to alert you that your best interest won’t be served by this person, but it’s a sure bet theirs will.

If this is old news to you, I apologize for the droning. But if it’s not something you’ve ever paid attention to, it can be eye opening and pocketbook friendly to become aware.

Final thought: If you’re dealing with someone who speaks in this fashion, the best you can ever expect is to be third on their list.

All the best,

John