The create-a-word game

Johnny Bunko plays Verbotomy with Dan Pink

May 6, 2008

We spent a week at Verbotomy playing with Dan Pink's Johnny Bunko and the Six Career Secrets that no one ever told you. It was a lot of fun and we learned a lot! Like the fact that there is no plan! And that in the long run, persistence trumps talent...

And naturally we created a gaggle of funny words to describe the things we should, and the things we shouldn't do, acccording to the Johnny Bunko Lessons. At the end of the week Petaj and Arrrteest snagged the top spots and each of them won an autographed copy of Dan's book.

You can check all the words we created by clicking on the links and definitions below. And if you want, you can still play with Johnny. You can create a word and vote for your favorites. So give it a try! Maybe you'll invent a word to describe your next big career move!

Thanks again to Dan Pink.

Be creative,

James

Lesson #1: There is no plan.

See: Do you think I should stick to the plan?

DEFINITION: v. To stick to your plan even though you've realized it's dumb. n. A stupid plan, especially if it's a career plan suggested by parents, teachers or guidance counselors who want you to be something that you're not.

Create a Word | Top Words | Vote for Favorites

Lesson #2: Think strengths, not weaknesses.

See: The boss says I'm fast-tracking…

DEFINITION: v. To focus on your weaknesses, rather than your strengths. n. A person who is obsessed with their perceived deficiencies, and works hard to ensure that everyone else understands and appreciates their failings.

Create a Word | Top Words | Vote for Favorites

Lesson #3: It's not about you.

See: There is no "U" in "Team"

DEFINITION: n. A team member who always shares the workload, but nevertheless tries to get exclusive credit for any work done. v. To temporarily suppress your own need for self-aggrandizement.

Create a Word | Top Words | Vote for Favorites

Lesson #4: Persistence trumps talent.

See: Find your inner cockroach

DEFINITION: n. A person who succeeds not because of their talents, but because they just won't quit. v. To firmly believe in your talents and never give up on your goals, despite the huge obstacles, snide comments, and repeated setbacks.

Create a Word | Top Words | Vote for Favorites

Lesson #5: Make excellent mistakes.

See: I just asked the boss to date me

DEFINITION: v. To make a mistake where the benefits exceed the costs of the screw-up. n. An excellent mistake, which despite its stupidity, produces a positive outcome.

Create a Word | Top Words | Vote for Favorites

Lesson #6: Leave an imprint.

See: What are you doing to the cubicles?

DEFINITION: v. To create an impression that you have made a positive contribution, especially when related to career activities. n. A personal mark or imprint which proves that you have done something that matters.

Create a Word | Top Words | Vote for Favorites

More from Dan Pink...

Johnny Bunko

For more career tips and the latest from Dan Pink, see:
"The Adventures of Johnny Bunko" by Dan Pink.