Exploring "Dirty Words" and the Concept of Entitlement

In the most recent episode of Teaching in Higher Ed, Bonni Stachowiak spoke with Peter Felten and Kassidy Puckett about the idea of "dirty words" in higher education—terms that provoke visceral reactions from faculty and reveal deep-seated cultural challenges. It was fascinating to hear how something as seemingly neutral as the word "scale" could trigger such strong responses. What struck me even more was Bonni’s playful and thought-provoking idea of using “dirty words” as an icebreaker. (By the way, the entire episode is an absolute treasure trove!)

It got me thinking about my own "dirty word": entitlement. Just hearing it stirs up judgment within me, and I often find it challenging to respond constructively. Yet, as with many charged concepts, I recognise that the term is far more complex than it seems. Bonni’s playful approach to “dirty words” has stayed with me, inviting me to reflect more deeply on my reaction to entitlement.

Earlier today, I decided to explore this further using Tony Latimer, MCC ’s AI tool (it is free from 2025). I asked it to unpack the nuances of entitlement, especially in leadership and organisational contexts. Its insights reminded me that while entitlement is often perceived negatively, it can also present opportunities for growth if approached thoughtfully.

Here are a few key takeaways from Tony Latimer AI:

1. Entitlement vs. Empowerment Entitlement reflects the expectation of unearned privileges, while empowerment is about equipping individuals with the tools and opportunities to succeed through their own efforts. This distinction is particularly crucial in leadership.

2. Impact on Teams and Culture A sense of entitlement can create resistance, lower morale, and erode trust. However, fostering a culture of fairness, transparency, and accountability can transform these challenges into opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

3. A Leadership Challenge Managing entitlement as a leader involves setting clear expectations, modelling humility, and encouraging a growth mindset. This not only helps address entitlement but also inspires and uplifts teams.

Reflecting on entitlement also connects deeply to my work in coaching. Coaching provides a space to explore unspoken barriers, like entitlement, in a non-judgmental way, leading to clarity and transformation. Often, we assume we understand what others mean when they use certain words, but when we stay curious, we often uncover unexpected perspectives—sometimes even surprising the people we work with.

That’s what I love about coaching and reflective practice: words are never just words. They are vessels for meaning, emotion, and possibility. Coaching invites us to play with their meanings, challenge assumptions, and create new possibilities for growth.