Insight article

Drop the jargon

The CIPD has declared that management speak is a key factor in reducing the support and trust that staff have in their managers. We couldn’t agree more – and some of the latest phrases emerging from business, according to Office Angels, are laughable. Apparently cool new buzzwords include ‘thought grenade’ (explosive good ideas), ‘Let’s sunset that’ (let’s not ever mention that bad idea again) and ‘touchpoints’ (meetings).

How does trust relate to management speak? Quite simply because jargon creates barriers, preventing people from communicating effectively. We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again – start talking like normal human beings and you’ll find that people not only understand you, but will relate far better to you and what you’re trying to communicate. Everyone will be better off – and so will the organisation.

Nailia Tasseel