Corporate jargon indeed! I'm certain I've heard all those phrases; they are all familiar and in both the private and public realms. Likewise, I've not found HR departments to be 'leaders' in this area. They tend to Policy rules rather than helpful discourse. I've actually found it useful to be communicating with folks where english is a second language. This then demands a more straight forward dialogue and frequently with examples to ensure a conversation is understood.
Your articles were recommended to me. I'm pleased I subscribed.
Thank you for the feedback, it’s much appreciated! You make a great point about non native speakers - I am one myself and find sayings or implied meaning infuriating. Especially because I work in professional services, so people should know better.t
On the one hand, words shape behaviors and beliefs; on the other, they are shortcuts to convey higher-level concept.
“Executive presence” is not an empty box, bur rather conveys the idea of a strong character, eye contact, measured tone, courage, strong body posture.
If I read you correctly, your diagnoses of the underlying problem is that we have learned to use these “broad words” mechanically (aka buzzwords) rather than to synthesize a concept that we actually know (same as a kanji would do).
I like your solution - “avoid them and go back to the basics” - but it’s not that easy, because this jargon is crucial to the “theatrical sides” of corporations and a badge of honor for insiders: thoughts?
I think we’ve been made to believe that jargon and acronyms are essential to business - but I don’t think they are. I agree with you that shortcuts are genuinely helpful. I just think we need new shortcuts that don’t typify, judge and put people into boxes that don’t describe them 😅
Things like ‘executive presence’ only mean something to someone who is an executive or has seen lots of executives (and your description of it is of course spot on). If I said that to a junior colleague however they wouldn’t really know what I’m talking about. So my argument is exactly what you say - these words don’t synthesise concepts that people know and share and are mainly used like buzzwords.
Recently I’ve been told that it’s important to ‘read between the lines’. Hmmm… I am pretty sure I shouldn’t make up what others might be thinking based on my naturally biased view of the world. But again this form of wording is thrown around like gospel unfortunately - instead of encouraging safe spaces where everyone feels comfortable to share their views.
So - to end a very long answer I agree completely with you that changing things is super difficult. After all we’re talking about established ways in which the world seems to spin. But - and this is a big hypothetical - if enough of us ask for a better way to talk to each other I think this is achievable. I guess what I’m saying is also that new generations of leaders don’t have to be as poor communicators as the current generation.
Corporate jargon indeed! I'm certain I've heard all those phrases; they are all familiar and in both the private and public realms. Likewise, I've not found HR departments to be 'leaders' in this area. They tend to Policy rules rather than helpful discourse. I've actually found it useful to be communicating with folks where english is a second language. This then demands a more straight forward dialogue and frequently with examples to ensure a conversation is understood.
Your articles were recommended to me. I'm pleased I subscribed.
Thank you for the feedback, it’s much appreciated! You make a great point about non native speakers - I am one myself and find sayings or implied meaning infuriating. Especially because I work in professional services, so people should know better.t
You bring up a very interesting topic.
On the one hand, words shape behaviors and beliefs; on the other, they are shortcuts to convey higher-level concept.
“Executive presence” is not an empty box, bur rather conveys the idea of a strong character, eye contact, measured tone, courage, strong body posture.
If I read you correctly, your diagnoses of the underlying problem is that we have learned to use these “broad words” mechanically (aka buzzwords) rather than to synthesize a concept that we actually know (same as a kanji would do).
I like your solution - “avoid them and go back to the basics” - but it’s not that easy, because this jargon is crucial to the “theatrical sides” of corporations and a badge of honor for insiders: thoughts?
Also I thought I was already subscribed to you! 🤔
And you have no idea just how much you missed in not having done so earlier ;)
Thanks for reading and engaging!
I think we’ve been made to believe that jargon and acronyms are essential to business - but I don’t think they are. I agree with you that shortcuts are genuinely helpful. I just think we need new shortcuts that don’t typify, judge and put people into boxes that don’t describe them 😅
Things like ‘executive presence’ only mean something to someone who is an executive or has seen lots of executives (and your description of it is of course spot on). If I said that to a junior colleague however they wouldn’t really know what I’m talking about. So my argument is exactly what you say - these words don’t synthesise concepts that people know and share and are mainly used like buzzwords.
Recently I’ve been told that it’s important to ‘read between the lines’. Hmmm… I am pretty sure I shouldn’t make up what others might be thinking based on my naturally biased view of the world. But again this form of wording is thrown around like gospel unfortunately - instead of encouraging safe spaces where everyone feels comfortable to share their views.
So - to end a very long answer I agree completely with you that changing things is super difficult. After all we’re talking about established ways in which the world seems to spin. But - and this is a big hypothetical - if enough of us ask for a better way to talk to each other I think this is achievable. I guess what I’m saying is also that new generations of leaders don’t have to be as poor communicators as the current generation.
Back to the basics!
Back to the basics - this is a Gospel I’m willing to sign up for!
And thanks for the extra perspective :)