Metaphorically speaking...

There are many phrases that people utilize in attempts to metaphorically define work - as a war, team, family, organism, machine, ship, person, etc. While these are good at simplifying and grouping concepts, they often take very different meanings depending on one's perspective. An engineer may appreciate a machine analogy, since it focuses on efficiency, whereas an HR manager may find it cold and insensitive.

A couple years ago, I took a class at work focused on developing management/leadership skills. This class specifically urged us not to use metaphors in the workplace. The example of likening one's department to a ship was listed as a prime example of what not to do.

Our class also emphasized the importance of clear/consise language in a leadership role. Just as in describing an organization, metaphors are widely used and often integrated into our everyday vernacular. However, there are times where metaphors interfere with clear communication.

Ironically, my manager at the time used metaphors and hyperboles to a fault. While enthusiastic, his points were often muddled in attempts to tie his message in with his chosen metaphor. Even worse, our team was international and included employees in Brazil, China, and Germany. As a result, his message was further diluted and muddled. I recall several instances where peers conferred with me to decipher what exactly he was talking about.

"Making the invisible visible"

Paradoxically, as communication tools advance in abilities and power, they are increasingly taken for granted. Over the last decade, we've experienced a veritable revolution of communication technology. Today, people may contact each other instantly through phone conversations, emails, instant messengers, etc. While these tools allow great potential in organizational communication, more is not necessarily better.

In my work experience, communication misuse has proven to be the greatest detriment to productivity. These instances of misuse include meetings that are called for the sake of having a meeting and conference calls that waste hundreds(or thousands) of workhours at a shot for minimal value. On a given week, I typically have in excess of 20hrs of scheduled meetings and conference calls. Most of these, I don't need to be a part of. One of the worst instances of communication misuse is exemplified by the overwhelming dread of coming back from vacation to the inevitable mountain of emails. Sifting through them, I'd estimate that roughly 90% of my work emails have little to no value.

The real measure of communication success is effectively matching the message, the medium, and the target audience. Too little emphasis is placed on this objective.