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.
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1 comment:
I enjoyed your post very much; it made me smile and think of the television show "The Office". I can easily imagine the inept character of "Michael" using mixed metaphors, and the latest management buzz words in a vain attempt to motivate the confused staff.
One of the reasons I like living in California is the diversity of the population and work environment, as opposed to some areas of the East coast, where I grew up. A few years ago, a newly hired manager (from the East coast)sent out a memo with the symbol "<><" by his name. Several members of our department are Muslim, and I felt the manager's use of the Christian symbol of a fish, in a department memo, was inappropriate. Although no one I talked with had noticed, I asked him about it during the next department meeting; he quickly said: "I hope no one was offended". I think my question put him on notice to be more mindful of religious diversity in the workplace.
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