QUID PRO QUO
A friend inserted this phrase into my daily vernacular a few years ago. According to Wikipedia it is, “(From the Latin meaning “something for something”)[1] indicates a more-or-less equal exchange or substitution of goods or services.”
It’s a phrase that runs through my mind a lot lately and prompts me to ask — when was the last time you quid pro quo’d? Here are some examples to get you started. (PS-I use it as a verb only for demonstration purposes.)
The economic situation forces us all to be more conscious of, and careful with, our money expenditures. The idea of trading one service or good for another (aka bartering) is a very viable way of spending your money efficiently. There is a time and a place for bartering (I.e., you can’t generally barter with a doctor or bank for services), but I’d suggest you consider opportunities for possible use.
The economic situation also has a lot of people looking for jobs. I have always been happy to review resumes, forward contact information, help people get set up to build their social network, etc. But I can say, as a job searcher myself, that quid pro quo is definitely at work in the employment networking space. My job hunt is going well and I am having this success because of the support from those people in my network. It makes me realize that although I’ve been happy to help in the past, there is way more that I could be doing to support my friends and family with their job search. I will definitely pay it forward for all the support I’ve received.
My final example is regarding social media. The social media arena is one where we sometimes need to be reminded to quid pro quo a bit more. It’s not a space for all listening or all talking. Social media is at its best when people are unselfishly supporting others, while at the same time – sharing a bit of themselves. Nothing I’ve just said is revolutionary. Just a reminder; and I guess this ties in to my “Define yourself” post from earlier this week.
So…when was the last time you quid pro quo’d?
