Over the course of our careers most of us have been fired at least once. So we can all empathize with how Carol Bartz felt when booted from her duties as CEO of Yahoo: Angry, vengeful and vindictive.

But that’s where the similarities end. Without a job, most of us worry about the future. We need the severance to pay the mortgage, so we try to stay on our best behavior. Publicly slamming our former employer, or ‘pulling a Bartz’ as I’m sure it will come to be called, is not an option.

To recap, Yahoo’s chairman sacked Bartz last Tuesday on a phone call. A few days later, Bartz gave  Fortune magazine an exclusive interview where she referred to the Yahoo board as “doofuses” and said they “f****ed me over.”

I’m no Pollyanna and theoretically have no objection to people using the f-word in business. But there are situations when it’s OK and clearly situations when it’s not.

1. As a rule of thumb, never, ever use the f-word in a media interview. The only exception I can possibly think of is if Rolling Stone is interviewing you about your Indie band.
2. It’s not a good idea to use the f-word with new clients or colleagues. Of course, that may change as you get to know one another. In fact, the f-word can be useful in bonding and forming a relationship that goes beyond the formal.
3. When you’re joking around with colleagues, the f-word is definitely OK. It can be humorous, especially when it’s unexpected.
4. Don’t be embarrassed if the f-word slips out spontaneously on a happy occasion. Remember Melissa Leo at this year’s Academy Awards?  People might be initially shocked, but will also smile to themselves as they share your glory.
5. If you work with the public, in a store, a doctor’s office or a school (especially a school!), the f-word is a no-no. I hope I don’t need to explain.
6. The f-word is OK in really stressful situations—when your computer freezes just as you’re about to make a client deadline or you get a flat tire on the way to an important meeting.  In fact, depending on the culture of your organization, people might start to think you’re a bit weird if you never let off steam with an expletive or two.

What do you think? Is the f-word OK in business? Or should it be avoided at all times and in all circumstances?

Posted in PR Bloopers |