Guest Article: Don't Be A Human Resources Jargolonian by Jay Kuhns, SPHR

Every professional discipline has a unique culture that goes along with it. Key terms, work processes, codes of ethics, behavioral norms, and words that inform various situations or issues are all part of the work.

Some of these words are important and need to be understood and used regularly to demonstrate competency and awareness.

Other words are simply jargon that are used in an attempt to demonstrate competence, but in reality end up clogging conversations, meetings, and other forms of communication with extra words.

Here are a few of my "favorites."

Stakeholder - an important term that is used to recognize the people who are interested in certain issues, projects, or organizations. 

Unfortunately, this perfectly good word is so overused that I get hungry when I hear it...

Fork + Knife = Steak Holder

Synergy - a word that is intended to demonstrate the power of working together. However, this too is so overused I find myself wondering....

Who actually goes home at the end of the day and says "we created so much synergy today!"

No one.

Straw Man - a wonderful concept that should ignite a productive brainstorming session on a certain topic, idea or initiative.

However, never in my life, prior to moving to the consulting side of life, did I ever use the term straw man in my corporate roles....the only thing that comes to mind for me is...

The Wizard of Oz.

How About You
Which words do you love to use, but actually kick off an avalanche of eye rolls around the conference room table?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.


Article source:Jay Kuhns, SPHR - Don't Be A Human Resources Jargolonian»

Check out more of Jay Kuhns' work at No Excuses HR