“Ok, you guys. Let’s get started.”
Whenever I hear someone say, “you guys,” I think, “I’m not a guy.” And it’s not only men who say it. For several years, I’ve attended a well-established, highly regarded women’s leadership group and the founder consistently says,
· “Thanks for being here, you guys.”
· “What do you guys’ think about the workshop we’re planning for next week?”
· “I’m impressed with the work you guys are doing.”
Clearly, “you guys” is embedded in popular culture but unless you’re in a college fraternity or a duck blind with your bros, lose you guys. Instead, use
· you all
· everyone
· everybody here
· team
· people
· folks
· humans
· colleagues
· friends.
Look at all your options.
Be creative, you guys. No! Be creative, everybody. Thanks for reading.