Eliminating Bullshit: The Case for Clear Communication at Work
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Nature of Workplace Bullshit
Why do we encounter so much nonsense at work? While it might serve a purpose, it often enables individuals to evade accountability, sidestep responsibilities, and escape those awkward social gatherings where you're obliged to endure questionable baked goods while pretending to care about someone’s pet.
The pandemic has, for many, put an end to these forced social interactions—at least for me.
In the realm of euphemisms, the intent behind these terms is often benign, aimed at not offending anyone, yet they can also serve to obscure guilt or blame. Political discourse is filled with such language, and while we’ve grown accustomed to it, it’s questionable whether voters truly grasp the meanings hidden beneath these expressions.
Winston Churchill famously referred to "terminological inexactitude" in a speech to the British House of Commons in 1906—an elegantly obscure way to denote dishonesty. Steven Pinker highlighted this phenomenon in a 1994 New York Times op-ed, coining the phrase "euphemism treadmill." He pointed out that as new terms are introduced to soften harsh realities, they quickly become tainted themselves, necessitating the creation of yet more euphemisms.
When solutions elude us, it can be tempting to create new terminologies to appear engaged in the conversation. But are we merely masking the issue rather than addressing it?
Consider the jargon we encounter daily: phrases like "low-hanging fruit," "onboarding," "touching base," and "reinventing the wheel." The complexity of this language can be exhausting both to compose and to decipher.
This kind of linguistic subterfuge is frustrating. It perpetuates the belief that to be effective in your role, you must communicate in this convoluted manner, especially as you climb the corporate ladder. It becomes particularly problematic when those in leadership positions embrace this jargon, infusing it into the company culture. But why do we engage in this behavior?
The cynic in me suggests it’s a way for individuals to inflate their own importance. By using obscure terms, they create an aura of significance around themselves. This tendency can become narcissistic, particularly when it originates from higher-ups.
Moreover, it often serves as an escape route for admitting ignorance. Instead of candidly stating, "I don't know," one might respond with a convoluted explanation filled with jargon.
A Little History
George Orwell’s 1946 essay, "Politics and the English Language," criticized the "ugly and inaccurate" English of his era. He pointed out "meaningless words" that obfuscate clarity and "pretentious diction" that disguises bias as neutrality. Orwell argued that the decline of language reflects the decline of thought itself.
Orwell’s notion of "Newspeak" in 1984 foreshadowed a world where language is manipulated to control thought. The Oxford English Dictionary notes the existence of "management-speak," a language characterized by unnecessary complexity and jargon. Interestingly, this trend may have roots in a WWII sabotage guide that offered advice on disrupting workplace efficiency.
One particularly eye-opening section listed absurd strategies for sabotaging everyday office life.
Does this approach to work sound familiar?
What Do We Do About It?
Firstly, it’s essential to recognize that you don’t have to wage a personal war against workplace nonsense. However, you can set an example.
#### Embracing Plain Language
The Plain English movement, arguably inspired by Orwell, advocates for simplicity and clarity in communication. It encourages the use of straightforward language instead of inflated vocabulary.
You can find resources, like the Plain English Foundation, that help you articulate ideas clearly.
#### Removing the Fear of Good Writing
Some writing advice suggests avoiding punctuation like semicolons because many people are unfamiliar with them. This mindset fosters a culture of mediocrity.
Incorporate style guides, such as the Australian Government Style Manual, to refine your writing skills.
#### Utilizing Readability Tools
Tools like Microsoft Word's readability statistics and apps like Hemingway and Grammarly can help you assess and improve your writing.
#### Revolt Against Bullshit
Combatting the prevalence of convoluted language is no small feat; it’s pervasive in marketing, politics, and beyond. However, you can lead an anti-bullshit movement in your workplace by striving for clarity. Read your work aloud, seek feedback, and make a conscious effort to write effectively.
In summary, if writing is a regular part of your job, commit to doing it well. Embrace a growth mindset and remain open to learning new skills.
Happy writing!
This first video features David Graeber discussing the concept of "bullshit jobs" and their societal implications.
The second video explores the rise of "bullshit jobs," analyzing their prevalence and impact in the modern workforce.