Cultural Words May Matter More
When you say, “soda,” someone else may say, “pop.” Do cultural words matter in your workplace?
When someone says, “Things don’t add up.” We assume that to be a universal truth. The saying, “Two plus two isn’t equaling four,” makes us believe something is off.
It is hard to dispute math.
Words Matter
Words always matter. They matter much more than most people realize. A simple change in our sentences, a word here, or a word there, often make a difference.
In workplace cultures belief is powerfully connected to words.
We have exceptional customer service.
We ship fast.
Patience is one of our core values.
Of course, the truth in each statement is subjective. Belief in these statements will matter for sales, operations, and brand.
Belief is part of your culture. The words used to describe how things happen, what will happen, and when, create images that form the culture.
Do you believe it?
Cultural Words
Everyone should get the same result when they add ten and five together. If you don’t believe it, check it on a calculator.
A twelve-inch ruler is a universal truth. It’s one foot.
When you suggest your workplace culture is diverse, committed, and engaged it is not a universal truth. It is a belief.
A great culture doesn’t come to life because of the technology, infrastructure, or a fancy conference room. You may have 80,000 square feet, but not much of that tells us the truth about your culture.
Words help create the image. After that, it is up to everyone in the community to believe, or not.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
