This week, I read a brilliant (and hilarious and convicting) 2020 article by Molly Young: Garbage Language—Why do corporations speak the way they do? Molly proposes that business buzzwords are used because of (rather than despite) their ability to obscure reality. It helps employees make their work seem more impressive. It helps managers and company leaders avoid responsibility. As the author concludes, “The meaningful threat of garbage language — the reason it is not just annoying but malevolent — is that it confirms delusion as an asset in the workplace.” Unfortunately, it’s hard to change our communication patterns—much less those of our teams, companies, or industries. But in the interest of controlling what you can control: What is 1 way you can speak more plainly at work?
Insight inspired by: Molly Young for writing the article. And my mom for sending it to me. Hi, Mama! 👋