Dilbert revisited

29/3/2022

'Management speak is the strangling of language. It is the wringing out of any meaning from once-beautiful words.' (Chris Huet)

Research published this week by the UK communications firm, Enreach suggests that, in the UK, management-speak still annoys and irritates. Expressions such as: blue sky thinking; thinking outside the box; low hanging fruit; and touching base appear to provoke particular disdain. Yet what is it about these phrases that triggers such strong and cynical reactions? Duncan Ward, author of the survey, proposes two principal reasons: that jargon conveys inauthenticity by presenting: (a) a smokescreen – an attempt to hide shortcomings; or (b) a façade – an attempt to impress others.

Ward also reflects that, given that many people are now not working face-to-face partly owing to the residual effects of Covid restrictions, clear communication is considered as essential. My sense is that, in an egalitarian social media era where soundbites and short-sharp messaging are the norm, people are also impatient of any language that comes across as pretentious or waffly. Against this backdrop, management jargon is disliked at work because it creates a fog factor: clouding rather than clearing. It blocks – rather than builds – relationship, meaning and trust.

Viewed through a cross-cultural lens, the UK sometimes looks down on language it perceives as imported. It likes to see itself as culturally sophisticated; using simple, clean language. Management-speak is perceived as originating in the United States and with that, for some people, it carries an underlying (and, I hasten to add, unfair) judgement of superficiality. This is one possible reason why I believe Scott Adams' satirical Dilbert was so popular in the UK. We were able to smile at a phenomenon ‘over there’, whilst also to recognise its growing influence ‘over here’.

Ward added that most respondents use jargon, in spite of disapproving of it. I can add my own name to that list of offenders. I worked with Peter Robson, a great leader who came from a very different background. At my first appraisal, he said, ‘When you speak in OD language, I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.’ He also added, in generous spirit, ‘Yet I have seen and felt the impact of what you do. It’s like magic. Whatever it is – keep doing it!’ Ward concludes simply that: ‘people would prefer to understand more clearly what their colleagues mean.’

What jargon phrases do you find yourself using? Which wind you up most – and why?

12 Comments

Kathrin Hoffmann

29/3/2022 07:48:48 pm

Hi Nick, when I think of my Montessori-school here in Germany, I speak less formally and more authentically to our teenagers. The way I would talk to them if I knew them privately. With authority, but not with many foreign words or with a lot of distance.

Nick Wright

31/3/2022 05:44:25 pm

Hi Kathrin - and thank you for sharing from personal experience in Germany. The way in which you describe speaking with students sounds very consistent with the Montessori school spirit.

You have made me wonder whether 'management-speak' as a cultural phenomenon exists in languages other than in English. It's a special way of speaking at work, using metaphor that can sound and feel alien and alienating.

Here's a great attempt to explain and critique 'management speak' by Chris Huet: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/management-speak-making-us-all-less-intelligent-chris-huet/

You have prompted me to look further into the cross-cultural dimensions!

Peter Robson

29/3/2022 09:30:44 pm

Really interesting blog, as usual Nick, and a name check too - thank you! Certainly recall our early work together and how, without realising, you opened my eyes to new ways of understanding the power of language and the meaning of authenticity in the workplace. Authentic communication with your teams will earn you greater respect, trust and understanding rather than following the latest jargon, phrase or whatever you use to impress. The latter certainly leaves an impression, but probably not the one intended! Straight, honest, direct but empathetic language reaps the best rewards for me.

31/3/2022 05:45:51 pm

Thank you, Peter. It was a real privilege to work alongside you. You always stand out to me as a role model for the highest levels of personal and professional integrity. I agree - respect, understanding and trust are very different qualities - and have a very different impact - to simply adopting the latest jargon or management fads. I have a piece of paper on my desk in front of me these days with 3 simple words: Prayer - Presence - Participation. It is an aide memoire, a guiding principle, for all my work with people, teams and organisations.

Danielle Masters

30/3/2022 12:19:47 pm

Hi Nick. That’s interesting. Is management-speak the same as politically-correct language?

31/3/2022 06:37:37 pm

Thank you, Danielle. That’s a good question. 'Management-speak' is satirical description of a particular way that people sometimes use language at work. It's often associated with people in management positions. It uses complicated words, expressions, phrases etc. to create the impression that something is more complex or impressive than it actually is - perhaps to boost a person's own ego or sense of status.

'Politically-correct' is, similarly, a satirical description of how some people use language in wider society. It's a way of changing language to try to change how we think about, include and empower people who are often regarded as socially and politically marginalised. More recently, it has become associated with other phenomena such as 'no-platforming' and ‘cancel culture’ when imposed on others.

On this latter theme, these short related pieces may be of interest?

*Art of deception: https://www.nick-wright.com/art-of-deception.html
*Progressive: https://www.nick-wright.com/blog/progressive

Rob Sanderson

30/3/2022 06:41:23 pm

Dilbert was a work of genius, mostly because it was so true!

30/3/2022 06:43:18 pm

Hi Rob. I agree. The first time I read ‘The Dilbert Principle’, I was crying with laughter by the time I reached the end of the first page! 😃

Paula McMahon

30/3/2022 06:45:36 pm

Hi Nick. I hate it when people use “reaching out”. It sounds so dramatic. Why not just say get in touch?

30/3/2022 06:52:34 pm

Hi Paula. That’s an interesting question. I first heard that expression when communicating with colleagues in the USA. I found it odd too…although I guess I’ve become used to it over time. I’m not sure if it’s strictly ‘management-speak’, or simply an alternative cultural expression that carries the same meaning? Both are metaphorical, using physical language to convey relational connection.

Richard Simpson

31/3/2022 09:59:16 am

Guilty!! But as a lover of language I am attracted to metaphor and simile and how inventive we are as communicators. I often 'touch base' and 'think outside the box.' But I'm also aware enough to use these phrases 'tongue in cheek' (not a business-speak phrase but it must have originated somewhere). I used to have a boss who was always telling our team to 'get our ducks in a row.' One of the more hilarious phrases I've come across refers to floating an idea to test for a response: "Let's run it up the flagpole and see who salutes."

31/3/2022 06:42:28 pm

Hi Richard. That's a relief - it's not just me then. :) I think Dilbert was a great influence in helping us to laugh with-at a phenomenon that was, and sometimes still is, perceived as taking itself far-too-seriously. I love that expression you shared: 'Let's run it up the flagpole and see who salutes'. I wonder if that originates in the Unites States too?