No matter how hard you try to make things sound professional in a corporate context, getting through a maze of corporate speak can be a challenge. If the corporate culture of an organization is out of sync with the apparent corporate speak, it can be difficult to know what to do or who to turn to in order to make headway. In this article, we’ll explore the steps you can take to bridge the gap between corporate culture and corporate speak in order to create an efficient, successful workplace.
1. Recognizing When Corporate Speak Doesn’t Match Corporate Culture
The phrase “corporate speak” can have many different connotations, some not very positive. It often refers to the surface level work that takes place in corporate environments, creating promises of change that rarely manifest into anything large-scale. So, how can you tell the difference between corporate speak and an authentic corporate culture?
In order to identify when corporate speak isn’t aligned with corporate culture, start by listening to the dialogue. If the words used are aspirational, telling the audience how great the company is and how much it has to offer, but lack actual concrete strategies for making this happen, chances are it doesn’t match corporate culture. Here are some other cues to look for:
- Discussion of plans and goals that lack detail or specifics.
- A lack of transparency about key decisions.
- Unclear or lacking criteria for determining success and failure.
- Insufficient communication between different teams and departments.
By paying close attention to the dialogue used in the office, you can start to get a better understanding of the mindset of the organization. It’s important to know when you’re operating within an environment of honest dialogue or one of corporate speak. A truthful, two-way communication is key to understanding the company’s culture and its true potential.
2. Investigating the Root Cause
It is essential to understand the underlying cause of an issue before analyzing data and attempting to resolve the problem at hand. When investigating to determine the root cause, it is best to look beyond the symptoms and focus on whether or not there are any similarities between problems. For example, if numerous emails are not being received or sent from various servers, it is worth looking to see if the issue lies in the infrastructure.
can take some time, but it’s a task that is necessary in order to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently. That is why it’s important to ask the right questions. It’s also a good idea to consider the following:
- What evidence points to the root cause of the issue?
- Are there any patterns between similar issues?
- Is the issue temporary or systemic?
By gathering more information and looking for patterns, it’s possible to identify the underlying root cause and begin making significant progress towards solving the problem.
3. Putting a Change Plan in Action
Measuring and Monitoring
The third step of is to measure and monitor the progress made. It is important to determine what metrics will be used to measure the success of the change, such as setting KPIs, and regularly monitoring and assessing these metrics. Additionally, a team should establish the channels around which communication and feedback will take place – this may include meetings, surveys, and performance reviews.
Making Adjustments
As the change plan is put into action, it is likely that adjustments must be made as the situation evolves. Therefore, an agile mindset is essential when implementing change. A team should be open to adapting the plan and developing a better and more effective strategy as challenges arise. Below are a few tips when making adjustments:
- Identify success metrics
- Stay current with industry trends
- Empower decision-makers to make informed decisions quickly
- Be open to feedback from stakeholders
- Encourage an iterative process
4. Effects of Misalignment on Company Growth
When a company is not properly aligned, it is highly likely that it will suffer the consequences. From immense costs for correcting errors and missed opportunities for growth to serious issues with relations and disgruntled employees, misalignment can have a devastating effect on company growth. Below are just a few of the ways that it can have an impact:
- Unclear Direction: Individuals within the organization may have wildly different objectives and goals in mind, making it nearly impossible to work together in harmony and develop a strategy towards a unified objective.
- Delayed Results: Without a guided and contemplated plan, there is too much delay in measuring the progress of a particular strategy. This could cause entrepreneurs to doubt the effectiveness of their strategies and consequently look to other resources that do not provide the right type of solution.
- Lost Manpower: When the lack of alignment persists, eventually personnel may become disengaged and no longer trust in the company’s mission. It could be the result of high turnover rate and difficulty to attract the right talent.
It is vital for any organization to ensure that its departments are in-sync and that each of its members share a common vision, purpose, and objective. Doing so allows for a more unified approach in achieving company growth. Misalignment should be addressed as soon as possible as it can tremendously hamper the progress of a successful business model.
When it comes to communicating in the workplace, it’s essential to remember that words are powerful. Striking the right balance between corporate speak and corporate culture can bring clarity, consistency, and understanding to any team. With a bit of practice and dedication to open communication, your employees can benefit from a more streamlined and impactful experience.