Who exactly is/are they?
"Clarity affords focus." Thomas Leonard
Have you ever heard this, "They are going to be upset when they see this..." or "They want us to..."? Who is being referred to in this statement? As a leader I do not let my people escape statements like these. I ask them to define they. They by itself is ill-defined and, as a leader, unless we (the subordinate and I) clearly know who we are referring to, I ask for clarity. I do this not as punishment or out of anger (yes, I can get frustrated) but to gain understanding, avoid confusion, and prevent chaos.
People use 'they' for two main reasons. Both of which are not helpful. Here they are.
When they are afraid to name others - individuals or groups.
Out of laziness. When when they haven't done the work to consider who they are
The first case can be a bit more natural - polite even, not to name an individual or group. One may feel rude, impolite, or even insubordinate naming an individual or group. One may not know how you feel about the individual or group so one uses they as a polite way to protect the individual or group. I still call for definition.
The second case is the one which I try to train out of people. One might say 'they' because he or she has not done the work, hard work sometimes, to define the individual or group. It is important, especially if one is seeking a decision, to define the individual or group. Defining the group can be challenging, but good leadership requires this discipline.
Making it personal is knowing who you are referring to - individual or group. It is important in leadership. Define they.
Make it Personal
Rob
Rob Campbell