Let’s “Circle Back” on Jargon: Why Leaders Should “Run Jargon Up the Flagpole” and Leave It There
Is your team really “aligned,” or are they just nodding along in meetings because they have no idea what you’re saying?
If you’ve ever told your employees to “circle back,” “take this offline,” or “socialize the idea,” then you might be guilty of using corporate jargon—a language that sounds polished but often leaves people confused, disconnected, or quietly rolling their eyes.
Corporate speak may have started as a way to sound more professional, but now it’s become a barrier to real communication. Leaders often use these phrases with the best intentions, believing they promote teamwork or efficiency. But the reality is, phrases like “let’s take a deep dive” or “drinking from a firehose” create confusion—not clarity.
What Jargon Does to Your Team
Jargon isn’t just annoying; it can lead to real misunderstandings. Research from Duolingo found that using excessive industry-specific language decreases comprehension and can create stress and reduce productivity. When employees don’t understand what’s being said, they’re less likely to contribute, ask questions, or engage in meaningful ways.
And it’s not just about comprehension. Imagine a town hall meeting (yes, another buzzword) where leaders use terms like “cross-functional thought partners” or “granular approach.” Half the room is left wondering what any of it means, while the other half is zoning out. Your message—no matter how important—is lost in translation.
Why Jargon Alienates Your Team
The issue doesn’t stop at understanding. Jargon-heavy communication makes leaders seem out of touch and disconnected from their teams. When a leader casually says, “Herding cats” or “Juice worth the squeeze” to describe a challenge, it can leave employees feel uninspired and create a barrier where employees feel like they’re expected to decipher a hidden code just to understand their goals.
According to research, corporate jargon risks alienating team members, particularly those from diverse backgrounds or non-native English speakers who may find idioms confusing or exclusionary. This creates a workplace where people may feel excluded rather than engaged.
Clear Communication is Key
As a leader, you have the power to set the tone for clear, impactful communication. Here’s how to start eliminating jargon and build trust with your team:
Check for Understanding: After sharing an idea or delivering instructions, ask if everyone is clear on the next steps. Use phrases like, “Does this make sense to everyone?” or “Any questions before we move forward?” Leaders who regularly check for understanding increase both clarity and engagement.
Model Clear Communication: If you want to “supercharge” your team’s engagement—don’t day supercharge and keep your language simple and direct. Avoid jargon where possible, and when you do use it, acknowledge it with humor. Remember, a jargon-less meeting can improve not only communication but also productivity.
Create an Open Dialogue: Let your team know it’s okay to ask for clarification when jargon slips through. A “no jargon zone” can actually improve trust and make employees feel more comfortable contributing ideas. This is particularly important in cross-functional teams, where different departments have their own lingo. Encourage people to speak up if they don’t understand something—no need to “boil the ocean” alone!
By leading with clear communication—and having a little fun with it—you’ll show your team that you value clarity and connection over “blue sky thinking” and “synergizing touchpoints.” And when employees see that even their leader is willing to drop the jargon and speak plainly, they’ll feel empowered to do the same. After all, why “run it up the flagpole” when you can just say what you mean?
