Tag: Word

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Word Play

Some business terms become so frequently shared in meetings they earn a place in the cliché hall of fame. Ranking at the top of the list might be (cliché alert) ‘outside the box,’ ‘synergy’ and ‘value-added’. (In fact, type ‘overused’ into Google and guess what comes up: ‘business phrases’.) Yet there is one word I’m hearing recently from clients that might have staying power without evolving into hyped MBA-speak.

Defined by Webster’s as “a subtle distinction or variation,” the word ‘nuance’ – and its companion in plural form – seems the perfect description for the not-so-obvious things a leader must notice in order to succeed.

“I think the biggest opportunity for me is to develop a better understanding of the nuances that exist in this organization when it comes to getting things accomplished.”

“Susie is doing a good job. Now the question becomes will she be able to navigate the nuances necessary to achieve results in her role?”

“It’s essential for John to stay strategic and look ahead, yet not lose track of the nuances for executing his team’s plan.”

While I like to focus clients on Rocks – those big items you need to identify and accomplish in order to (cliché alert) move the needle – there appears to be validation for not forgetting to (cliché alert) sweat the small stuff. So, the next time you think about how to improve, grow and develop in your career, be sure to consider the subtleties.

The best way to summarize the point I’m trying to make here is: it is what it is. After all, the more things change the more they stay the same. Now, get back to work. Time is money. And, if this advice doesn’t improve your performance, don’t blame me. That’s the way the cookie crumbles.

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One thing I enjoy is collecting quotes – about leadership, about success, about inspiration. I’ve been doing it for more than a decade. Whenever I come across a good one, I drop it into a Word document. So far, there are 19 pages and more than 300 inspirational citations from famous people. Often, when I’m looking for motivation or a spark for new ideas, I’ll open up the file and start reading.

Here are three of my favorites:

“If everyone is thinking alike then somebody isn’t thinking.” ~ George Patton

“Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.” ~ John Wooden

“Do something every day that scares you.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

I’ve wondered if these sayings attributed to legendary people came ‘off the cuff’ in a newspaper interview, were published in a book or carefully crafted in preparation for a speech. I’ve also thought about how many things these leaders must have said during their lifetimes… and they’re remembered for just a few words. (See: Truman, Harry S. ~ “If you can’t stand the heat…”)

Yet a few words are all it takes to communicate a wonderful thought. Recently we were in a restaurant and, returning from the restroom, I poked my head in the kitchen. (Hey, I’m a coach… curiosity is what I do!) Written in large letters on a white board – surrounded by names of employees, schedules, specials and which menu items to push – were four words that speak volumes: “Earn your job everyday.”

With four people looking for work for every single opening in this country, that’s a great motivator for employees. Put more directly: “Phone it in, and you’ll be gone.” I guess the true power of a memorable quote is the carefully chosen words that convey the desired message.

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