Nailing It: How Specific Language Reflects Work Culture

It’s hard to have a conversation without idioms. Eventually, somebody will use a colorful saying to make a point—like biting off more than they can chew, barking up the wrong tree, or throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

These sayings may be tread-worn, but they’re helpful shorthand everyone understands. And they stick because they effectively capsulize ideas. These figures of speech illustrate observed behavior or situations.

Business Idioms

Idioms we can all relate to permeate our everyday speech. Catchphrases at work are often more specific to business, peppering meeting jargon and internal messages. Like those used in everyday conversations, business idioms reflect the culture in which they are used. They can highlight positive, productive behaviors as well as toxic activity that undermines a workplace.

We hear idioms that reflect high performance in workplaces across the U.S., such as “going the extra mile,” “hitting the ball out of the park,” and “win-win situation.” And when things aren’t running smoothly, conversations are dotted with figures of speech like “in the weeds,” “perfect storm,” and “pass the buck.” Leaders can often take the pulse of their company’s culture just by listening to the idioms frequently used in their workplace.

How Idioms Reflect Culture

Business idioms are not solely used in the U.S. Every language has versions that frame aspects of the working environment. While they vary wildly, they serve the same purpose. As journalist Nicole Spector wrote in an article for NBC’s Better Today, “The phrases are unique; but the meanings evoke a universal wisdom.”

Spector cites examples from around the world that correlate to English sayings.

Polish:

“What does gingerbread have to do with a windmill?” (What does one task have to do with another?”

German:

“Now it is about the sausage!” (Time is of the essence.)

Chinese:
“Nine cows, one hair.” (A drop in the bucket.)

For her CNBC story about international idioms, senior reporter Jennifer Liu interviewed Framery executive Anni Hallila, whose Finnish-based company builds office space equipment. Since Finland has earned the status of the happiest country in the world, it’s fitting that the business idioms in that country reflect positive work environments.

The turns of phrase popular in the Finnish workplace show an appreciation for communication and teamwork. When translated and decoded for non-Finns, they offer insight into the behaviors that make effective organizational culture.

1. The person who asks questions will not stray away from the path.

This idiom is only viable in companies that prioritize healthy communication and trust. It reflects a workplace where people feel safe speaking up and challenging the status quo. Those who raise questions for the good of the team help keep the company on the right track.

Hallila explains, “If there is an open line of communication where anyone can ask questions, then there will be a path forward.” She notes that Framery leaders encourage employees to be vocal about their own projects as well as company objectives.

“So even if it’s not my job, and I see something that should be addressed, I have the responsibility to ask the questions for us to not stray away from the path as a company.”

The ability to openly ask about issues makes employees feel valued and respected. This saying also implies that leadership listens to and acts on employees’ input.

2. A crazy person does a lot of work; a smart person gets away with less.

This idiom isn’t recommending that people use shortcuts or avoid tasks. Instead, it reminds people to work efficiently to save time and stress.

Leaders can ask employees to have this mindset, but their management styles must align with this saying for to be meaningful. For people to work smart, leaders must create clear expectations for all parties so people can plan effectively. They should also lead in an organized way and avoid last-minute requests and unrealistic deadlines.

Prioritization also plays a role in living out this idiom. By evaluating the urgency and timing of all tasks, staff can focus on what’s most important and create a more balanced work style.

3. Put the cat on the table.

This saying is the Finnish equivalent of acknowledging the elephant in the room. Like the first idiom on this list, this concept concerns having open and honest discussions. It goes beyond encouraging people to ask questions; it also tells them to offer opinions and suggestions.

The ability to freely engage in this way requires a trust-based culture where staff members aren’t afraid to say what needs to be said to move things forward. In organizations without such a culture, people tiptoe around topics that are difficult to address, allowing the problem to worsen.

4. Whatever you leave behind, you will find in front of you.

This idiom refers to procrastination and handling issues as they arise instead of putting them off. Not tending to a problem or task will not make it go away, and people who routinely ignore responsibilities create chaos.

Like all patterns of work behavior, employees usually emulate their boss. Those in charge should lead by example and hold themselves accountable for honoring commitments and addressing and completing the issues at hand.

5. Going toward the tree with your back first.

Accidents happen when people don’t look where they’re going. This idiom reminds people to look ahead and anticipate outcomes to prevent problems before they occur. It requires people to assess issues and plan accordingly.

Hallila notes that her company’s leadership considers this idiom in its strategic planning and strives to apprise staff of its projections so they feel looped in. They also encourage people at all levels in their organizations to consider others as they work proactively. She adds, “We appreciate being smart about planning in a way that’s respectful of other people’s time.”

Avoiding Inaccessible Jargon

Colorful idioms like those cited by Hallila help companies around the world operate more effectively. However, there is a darker side to corporate-speak that can be counterproductive. As the writers of an article for HRD Connect point out, some terminology can be divisive.

“Relying too heavily on complicated, industry-specific vocabulary can potentially alienate employees, reduce morale, and undermine team cohesion. As we communicate in the workplace, we must be conscious of how our words, especially confusing phrases or inaccessible jargon, impact connectedness.”

An organization’s communication should be enhanced rather than subverted by its use of language. The adoption of exclusionary lingo limits authenticity and, therefore, damages trust. The article cites the opinion of leading linguist and language expert Eloise Leeson Smith, who explains:

“Corporate jargon is all too common in the workplace but can be exclusionary and leave employees feeling left out – creating barriers between them and their colleagues. This will often result in ineffective communication in the workplace, which can be incredibly costly for employers.”

Smith points to research that describes ineffective communication as the leading cause of workplace failures and frustrations.

Companies can help promote positive communication by using and encouraging helpful idioms. Leaders can cultivate connectivity further by creating a “common language” specific to their company’s culture. As noted earlier, idioms illustrate observed behavior or situations. Leaders can use language to steer their company culture by using easy-to-understand terminology to define the behaviors that will help their employees thrive.