In today’s corporate world, language and communication play a crucial role in conveying the values and culture of an organization. Companies often develop their unique corporate speak or jargon that reflects their brand identity and core values. However, sometimes, the corporate speak does not match the actual corporate culture, creating a dissonance between what the organization says and what it actually does. This can be a significant problem as it can damage the organization’s reputation and create a toxic work environment. In this article, we will discuss what to do when corporate speak doesn’t match corporate culture.
Understanding the Problem
The first step in addressing the problem of corporate speak not matching corporate culture is to understand the root cause. Often, organizations develop a set of values and a corporate culture that they aspire to but do not necessarily practice. In such cases, the corporate speak is merely a reflection of what the company wants to be rather than what it is. This creates a gap between what is said and what is done, leading to a loss of credibility and trust.
Another reason for the mismatch between corporate speak and corporate culture is the lack of communication within the organization. If the leadership team and the employees are not on the same page about the company’s values and culture, it can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. For instance, if the leadership team promotes a culture of transparency and openness, but employees are discouraged from sharing their ideas and opinions, it creates a dissonance between the words and actions.
Addressing the Problem
Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can take steps to address it. Here are some tips on what to do when corporate speak doesn’t match corporate culture:
Conduct a Culture Audit
The first step in addressing the problem is to conduct a culture audit. This involves assessing the company’s values, practices, and policies to determine if they are aligned with the corporate speak. You can use surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather feedback from employees and identify any gaps between what the company says and what it does. This will help you understand the root cause of the problem and develop a plan to address it.
Align Communication and Action
Once you have identified the gaps between corporate speak and corporate culture, the next step is to align communication and action. This means ensuring that what the company says is reflected in its actions and policies. For instance, if the company promotes a culture of inclusion and diversity, it should have policies and practices that reflect this value. This will help build credibility and trust with employees and stakeholders.
Foster a Culture of Transparency
Transparency is crucial in addressing the problem of corporate speak not matching corporate culture. It means being honest and open about the company’s values, policies, and practices. It also means being willing to listen to feedback from employees and stakeholders and making changes where necessary. A culture of transparency can help build trust and improve communication within the organization.
Train Employees on Corporate Culture
One of the reasons for the mismatch between corporate speak and corporate culture is the lack of understanding among employees about the company’s values and culture. To address this, organizations can conduct training sessions to educate employees on the company’s values, policies, and practices. This will help create a shared understanding of the company’s culture and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Lead by Example
Leadership plays a critical role in shaping the corporate culture. If the leadership team promotes a culture of transparency, openness, and inclusivity, it will trickle down to the rest of the organization. Therefore, it is essential to lead by example and embody the values that the company promotes.
Conclusion
Corporate speak is an essential aspect of communication in the corporate world. However, when it doesn’t match the actual corporate culture, it can create a dissonance between what the company says
