Today I was listening to someone talk about socializing a proposal among stakeholders.  “Socialize” is a very popular word in today’s business world.  Along with “ecosystem,” “governance” and the eternal favorite of the past fifteen years, “leverage.”

It led me to “ruminate” on the word’s meaning, beyond the confines of a company conference call.  Rumination beats eating M&Ms in despair.

Socialize implies a group setting.  In the business context, it means getting feelers for how others might react, before using more official ways to address the subject.  It connotes  a cozy conversation between two or more people.  It suggests that engaging with another person (s) first is a great way to accomplish the longer-term objective.

Wonderful.

Just super for a pathological introvert.  Here is the epitome…my team has completed a rather time-consuming annual budgeting process.  I would like to celebrate their accomplishment.  Do I take them out for afternoon frolicking over ice cream, where we chit chat under the sun and watch the boats on the river?  Or, should I run to the bakery near my house, select individual treats based on each team member’s preference, and drop off the goodies in each office with little post-its?  Before business hours, of course.  Yes, the latter does sound more enticing, doesn’t it?  Because it means zero human interaction.

And now back to socializing this proposal.  I will do it.  I will be warm and friendly.  I will ask personal questions to humanize the interaction.  I will be approachable.  And I will do it all over email.