Sunday Setup
A weekly newsletter to help get your mind set up for a positive workweek.
01.12.2025 — The Nosy Neighbor in Your Pocket
Shhhh! Siri’s (Always) Listening.
Siri has been accused of eavesdropping. And if you have an iPhone, you already know she does.
I can't count the number of times I've found myself saying, "I wasn't talking to you, Siri!" after she rudely interrupted my conversation with, "I'm sorry. I didn't get that."
Without acknowledging wrongdoing, Apple agreed to pay $95M to settle a 5-year-old lawsuit alleging Siri surreptitiously recorded user conversations. Anyone that has owned an iPhone as far back as September 17, 2014 is eligible to file a claim, and could receive "up to $20" as part of the settlement.
So, let me get this straight…Siri has been spying on us for a decade, during which time Apple has made $705B in profits, and the privacy of tens of millions of users is only worth $20 per user? I'd rather they recorded and sold my internet history.
Watch Your Words
As disturbing as this story is, I do see a positive takeaway. This revelation can be a reminder to be mindful of what you say. Not because Siri might be listening, but because words are powerful.
As we return to the office in the new year and the "Holiday Happiness" wears off, you may find yourself, once again, frustrated with one of your co-workers. If Taylor, i.e. your co-worker, is still slow to meet deadlines, or still ignoring your input, or still just being all around difficult to work with, try to refrain from using negative words when venting your frustrations.
Better yet, give some thought to the “why” behind Taylor's behavior. You may never fully know what a person is going through, or has been through, in life. Remember, Taylor is a human being who has goals and dreams, family and friends, successes and failures….just like you.
Perhaps there’s a complicated "origin story" similar to Elphaba's in Wicked that explains everything. Or, maybe it’s just that the barista at Starbucks keeps adding tabasco to Taylor's Triple Venti Caramel Macchiato every day, even though she's been repeatedly asked not to, and this seemingly innocuous action fuels an overwhelming level of irritation that manifests itself as a character trait that annoys you like people who push the button but don't wait for the walk sign annoy me. But I digress.
The point is, when you put negative energy into the universe with disparaging gossip, it's bound to come back to you. Choose your words wisely when you express concerns or thoughts about others. No one is perfect. Some of your colleagues may have tendencies you dislike, but it’s also possible you have some idiosyncrasies others find bothersome.
Set yourself up for success this week by adopting a positive mindset towards your colleagues. Teams succeed when they work well together, and teams work well together when they respect each other as multifaceted human beings.
Be kind with your words this (and every) week, and watch the ensuing positive energy foster the collective success you seek at work.