Lawsuit-Proof Recommendations

It's tough nowadays to know what to do, think, say, or believe, because there is bound to be someone out there who is ready to slap you with a frivolous lawsuit for doing, thinking, saying, or believing it. This can be especially true in the area of personal recommendations.

In my job, I am frequently interviewed by investigators looking into the background of people I've known or supervised in the past, and a standard question they always ask is something like, "Do you understand that your answers will be made available to so-and-so if he/she files a Freedom of Information Act request?" Translation: think carefully about what you say, because it may come back to bite you in the backside...and with a backside the size of mine, they could hardly miss.

But there's hope! I have run across a series of wonderful, lawsuit-proof statements of recommendation which can be used in virtually all cases! Try some of these:

"I cannot speak too highly of Mary."

"In my opinion, you'll be fortunate to get Fred to work for you."

"I most enthusiastically recommend Jane with no qualifications whatsoever."

"I am pleased to say that Joe is a former colleague of mine."

"I can assure you that no person would be better for this position."

"I urge you to waste no time in making Frank an offer of employment."

"I cannot say enough good things about Sally."

These should get you started. With a little creativity and nuance, you can give people the recommendations they deserve AND avoid pesky lawsuits.

Nowadays, what more could you ask for?

Have a good day. Cartoon Saturday is coming up tomorrow - be here!

Bilbo