Universal Signs

"Hey," said Royce, " Do you know the Universal Symbol for "My Butt is On The Line?" At this point,she took a piece of paper and drew a doodle that could have widespread application for the business world( scroll to bottom to see Royce's Universal Symbol)

Royce and I were attending a three -day workshop on organizational systems. The group had been speaking a patois that is not part of my everyday lexicon--physical science, cohorts, chaos and complexity theories and human systems dynamics. I was feeling somewhat out of my element.

That's when Royce decided that she would talk my language and offered up her doodle. Here's the thing. It has widespread applications that could enhance employee relations-- I encourage everyone to start using it.

In fact, I'd like Microsoft to incorporate it in its next version of Outlook.The MY LINE IS ON THE BUTT symbol  could be added as an email icon. Instead of using the ! to let people know that the message was important, the MY LINE ON IS ON THE BUTT symbol could be used.

And of course, it's a natural for post-it notes. If someone hasn't created emoticons just for the business world, here's your start. The idea has legs, someone just has to take it and run with it.

Theoretically, I love the idea of Universal Symbols. However, too often, only the people who created the Universal Symbol know what it means.

Do you know what these symbols mean?

In 1997 the Federal Trade Commission gave the clothing industry permission to use symbols in lieu of words to describe the proper care of clothing.

I would never have discovered these symbols if I had not spent an hour googling my brains out trying to find out the meaning of the symbols on my computer keyboard.

My computer  keyboard has universal symbols on all the "F" keys. I've never been an "F" key devotee but last week an IT specialist told me if I would just press one of my "F" keys I could solve a major problem I've been having with my computer.

Five weeks ago ,after the untimely death of Jalopy, I bought a new HP wide-screen laptop computer with a $200 rebate.

It's now been five weeks since I've been able to use my Samsung Monitor. When I plugged it in to new HP wide-screen, the two decided they just weren't going to communicate.

The IT specialist explained that on most computers you need to manually give permission for your computer to use an external monitor.

Since he was pressing the F4 key as he was explaining this to me, I modeled back, "So I press the F4 key."

"Not necessarily," he explained. "Different computers use different keys for this function."

In an effort to make it easier he said,"Look for the monitor symbol." Before I could memorize that symbol he warned, "Well,some computers use three rectangles as their symbol."

Computer manufacturers should take a hint from the textile folks who have a complete guide on their website telling consumers what the symbols mean. How hard would it be for the computer folks to provide this guide.? Better yet, how hard would it be for the computer folks to agree on the same symbols? Now that would be an elegant solution.

Speaking of elegant solutions, as promised, Royce's Universal Symbol for Your Butt Is On the Line.

Oh and in case you were wondering what those clothing care symbols mean.

1. Machine wash, warm ( if it had one dot it would have been machine wash, cold)

2.Non-Chlorine Bleach When Needed

3.Tumble Dry, Normal, Low Heat

4. Iron, Medium