The ugly words of business
"Say something positive, and you'll see something positive." Jim Thompson
I’ll throw these ugly words at you right away, like a punch in the face: policy, compliance, non-disclosure, and human resource. There are plenty more. When I hear these words I shift in my seat. They pull me from my core belief as a leader – investing in people toward something impersonal. I spend time on this in Chapter 2 of my first book, “It’s Personal, Not Personnel.” These ugly words counter positive and impactful words which serve as the backbone of a life loving and leading people – for instance, trust, relationships, transparency, belonging, people. There are many more of course. Indeed, these ugly words have a place in the modern business, though I believe leaders must take extra steps through effective communication to ensure everyone on their team understands their intent behind the use of these words.
A company does indeed need a policy – probably several to establish a standard, instill discipline, and govern the workplace. Policy has a bad rap though – deservedly so. Too many policies have been produced by a leader or leaders who will feel no effect from them. For example, a parking policy written by a leader who has a special, reserved parking spot feels more like unfair treatment – punishment by a person not affected by the policy. Many policies are written in the spirit of mistrust, as if to assume people have ill will. The language within policies can be dry and inhuman. This is no way to build a strong culture and healthy work environment for your team.
Compliance and non-disclosure have a similar spirit of mistrust about them. “We do not trust you. We believe you will do wrong, so we have compliance standards and non-disclosure forms to catch you and punish you.” Human resource or HR is on the ‘ugly’ list because I do not see myself or my people as a resource. Many resources are used and discarded with little care or thought. People are to be led well and nurtured so that they perform at their peak, again and again. They are not resources to be used.
Ugly words are not going away unfortunately. Because of this, we need to lead more effectively. I offer the following.
Reword them if possible. A company I am consulting changed ‘policy’ to ‘responsibility.’ Responsibility sounds better. Who wouldn’t want to act responsible? Leaders gathering support for a policy can present the policy as a responsibility for all teammates. It sounds better and it can be embraced better.
Focus on delivering intent with these words. If a company must develop and enforce compliance standards, leaders can present the new compliance standards as, “we are an exceptional organization with exceptional people. Exceptional organizations develop and champion compliance standards.”
Spend time explaining things to people. If non-disclosures must be signed as an industry requirement, don’t ever send one of these forms to a new or existing teammate without some explanation about what it is and why it is required.
Never, as a leader use another agency or another leader as an excuse. “We have to sign these because HR or corporate says so.” Take ownership of the ugly word as if you created it. Change it if you can. If you cannot, spend time explaining why it exists and why it is used. Then get back to people-centric, not ugly word-centric leadership.
Words may remain ugly, but leaders and businesses do not have to.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell