Small change: be definitive

We live our lives in language. As leaders, it is our words that set strategy, influence behaviour, determine outcomes.

It is surprising, then, how important words are often subject to vague, subjective or mutable definition. This leaves them open to misinterpretation or even misuse. Company values can be a great example of this. You might champion a value of, say, courage. A healthy aspiration, but what does courage mean in practice? What happens when courage implies a direct threat to the chain of command — or to this year’s profit forecast?

The solution lies in doing the work. Take the time to be precise with your words — particularly those on which your organisation’s health depends.

Something to consider: are we clear what we mean?

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