Cutting Through The Jargon: Finding Clarity In Your Role

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Have you ever started a new job and felt like everyone was speaking in code? On my first day at a previous company, I was handed a document filled with acronyms like "TPS reports," "EOD deliverables," and phrases like "leveraging synergy in our value streams."?

I remember thinking, Did I just step into a secret society with its own language? Overwhelmed, I decided to find a way to navigate this new environment without losing my mind.

Building My Own Language Map

I grabbed a notebook and began jotting down every unfamiliar term and abbreviation I came across. Next to each one, I wrote what I thought it meant or left a space to fill in later. This became my personal dictionary—a "business language architecture" tailored to my understanding.

Whenever I encountered a term that didn't make sense, I'd ask, "Could you explain what that means in this context?" More often than not, others appreciated the clarification, and it sparked a dialogue that benefited the whole team.

Why Simplicity Wins

I noticed that the overuse of jargon and abbreviations often led to misunderstandings and mistakes. So, I started promoting the use of clear, simple language. Instead of saying, "We need to optimize our KPIs to improve ROI," we'd say, "Let's focus on boosting our key results to get better returns."

And guess what? Communication became smoother, projects ran more efficiently, and the team felt more connected.

Let's Ban Abbreviations (Well, Most of Them)

Abbreviations can be handy, but they often create barriers. If a term needs an abbreviation because it's too long or complicated, perhaps it's time to rethink it. Language should bridge gaps, not create them.

Action Steps for You

1. Create Your Own Glossary: Start listing common terms and phrases used in your workplace.
2. Map Meanings: Write down what each term means to you and how it fits into your role.
3. Ask Questions: If something isn't clear, don't hesitate to seek clarification.
4. Promote Clarity: Encourage your team to use straightforward language.
5. Ditch Unnecessary Abbreviations: If a term is too long, find a simpler way to express it.

By taking these steps, you'll not only help yourself but also contribute to a culture of clear and effective communication.

Let's make work a place where everyone understands each other—no decoder ring required!

Warm regards,

https://ferneelizking.com/

https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/ferneelizking/

Speaker, Teacher, Facilitator, Consultant

Founder of Ferne King Consulting Pty Ltd

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