Introduction
Today’s globalized business environmen is richly diverse, bringing together individuals from varied linguistic and cultural backgrounds. In a global team, each member brings their own language and skills, which enriches the team's culture but also makes talking to each other more complicated.
I recall a rather funny, yet eye-opening incident from my last project that perfectly demonstrates this challenge. In almost every meeting, I would cheerfully start with a greeting, "Hey folks." It was a routine, casual phrase I used without a second thought – until one day, a developer from our scrum team, who was a non-native English speaker, politely inquired if I was consistently greeting everyone with "fucks." This humorous, awkward, misunderstanding highlights an point: what’s clear to some may not be clear to all.
This incident was just one of many learning experiences. Another came during our weekly “just for fun” team bonding meetings, where we played an online game similar to charades. Players had to draw something on the screen while others guessed the word. It was a delightful activity, but significantly more challenging for team members who spoke English as a second language. Words like “crocodile” or “parachute” – which rarely come up in everyday work conversations – posed unexpected challenges.
These stories highlight an important part of working in a global, multilingual environment: the need to avoid unnecessary buzzwords, jargon, and culturally specific references that can lead to misinterpretations or exclusions. In this post, I aim to delve into why using straightforward, clear language is not just a courtesy, but a necessity in our interconnected workspaces. I’ll explore what straightforward language entails, why it matters, and how we can all make an effort to communicate more effectively and inclusively.
The Importance of Straightforward Language
Benefits of Simple Language:
Embracing straightforward language in communication offers several benefits. Firstly, it ensures clarity. When messages are conveyed plainly, the likelihood of misinterpretation decreases significantly, ensuring that all team members are on the same page. This clarity is crucial, especially when discussing project objectives, deadlines, or feedback.
Secondly, using simple language fosters inclusivity. It makes all team members, regardless of their language proficiency, feel valued and respected. This inclusivity is not just about preventing misunderstandings; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels confident to contribute their ideas and perspectives.
Lastly, straightforward communication enhances efficiency. Time is not wasted deciphering complex language or jargon, leading to quicker decision-making and problem-solving. Teams become more agile and responsive, which is essential in today's fast-paced business world.
The importance of straightforward language in a multilingual team cannot be overstated. It's about more than avoiding embarrassing gaffes like my "Hey folks" incident; it's about ensuring clear, inclusive, and efficient communication that is the bedrock of successful global collaboration.
Common Communication Pitfalls
Jargon and Buzzwords:
One of the most common stumbling blocks in workplace communication, especially in diverse teams, is the use of jargon and buzzwords. These are specialized terms or trendy phrases that might be familiar in specific industries or regions, but can be confusing to others. For example, terms like "synergy," "deep dive," or "think outside the box" are often used in business settings but can be vague and mean different things to different people. Avoiding these terms not only makes your communication clearer but also more inclusive.
Cultural References and Idioms:
Another challenge is the use of cultural references and idioms that are specific to certain regions or cultures. Phrases like “hit the ground running” or “back to the drawing board” are based on context and cultural understanding, which might not translate well across different backgrounds. To someone not familiar with these phrases, their meanings can be completely lost. Sticking to clear, literal language helps ensure everyone understands your point.
Acronyms and Abbreviations:
Frequently, in an effort to communicate quickly, we use acronyms and abbreviations. While these can be efficient among a group who understands them, they can be entirely baffling to new members or those from different linguistic backgrounds. For instance, acronyms like ASAP (As Soon As Possible) or EOD (End Of Day) are commonplace in many workplaces but can be unclear to someone unfamiliar with them. Explaining these terms when they're first used can save a lot of confusion later on.
Assuming Shared Knowledge:
Often, we assume that others have the same background knowledge we do, leading to gaps in understanding. This can happen with technical terms, industry-specific knowledge, or even project-specific information. It’s important to remember that not everyone has the same frame of reference and to provide necessary context in our communications.
Over-Complicating Simple Concepts:
Sometimes, in an effort to sound knowledgeable or authoritative, there's a tendency to over-explain or use complex language to describe simple concepts. This can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Keeping explanations simple and to the point is more effective, especially in a diverse team.
What We Mean by Straightforward Language
Defining Straightforward Language:
Straightforward language means using clear, simple words and sentences that everyone can understand. It's about avoiding complex vocabulary, long-winded sentences, and industry jargon. For example, instead of saying "We need to optimize our strategies to leverage synergistic outcomes," a more straightforward way to express the same idea would be "We need to improve our plans to work better together and get good results."
Choosing Words Carefully:
The words we choose are important. It's better to use common, everyday words that everyone knows. This doesn't mean you have to oversimplify complex ideas, but rather explain them in a way that's easy to grasp. For instance, instead of saying "This project will be a paradigm shift for our company," you could say, "This project will change the way our company works in a big way."
Clear and Concise Sentences:
Long sentences can be hard to follow, especially for non-native speakers. Keeping sentences short and to the point helps everyone understand the message more easily. For example, breaking down "In order to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative, it is imperative that all team members comprehensively understand their individual roles and responsibilities" into simpler, shorter sentences like "We need to make sure everyone understands their job for this project to succeed" makes the message clearer.
Avoiding Assumptions:
Don't assume everyone has the same knowledge or background. Explain things that might not be common knowledge. If you're using an example, a term, or talking about a process, a quick explanation can help everyone follow along.
Checking for Understanding:
After sharing information, especially something important or complex, check if everyone understood. A simple "Does that make sense to everyone?" or "Any questions on this?" can make a big difference. It gives team members a chance to ask for clarification if they need it.
Welcoming Questions and Clarifications:
Encourage your team to ask questions if they don't understand something and to seek clarification. This fosters an open environment where everyone feels comfortable admitting when they're confused and needs more information.
Embracing Clarity in Global Communication
The way we communicate in our diverse, global workplaces is more important than ever. The key takeaway is that clear, simple language benefits everyone, not just those for whom English is a second language. It fosters understanding, inclusivity, and efficiency, which are crucial for successful collaboration.
Let's remember the lessons from the "Hey folks" misunderstanding and the online charades game. These stories remind us that what seems obvious to one person might not be so for another. By choosing our words carefully, keeping our sentences clear and concise, and being mindful not to assume shared knowledge, we can avoid unnecessary confusion.
As we move forward, I encourage you to apply these principles in your daily communications. Reflect on your own communication style: Are there ways you can make your language more accessible to all team members? How can you contribute to creating a more inclusive and effective communication environment in your workplace?
By committing to straightforward communication, we're not just avoiding misunderstandings; we're building stronger, more connected teams. And in a world that's increasingly interconnected, that's something we all can benefit from.
