Common Code Words Leaders Use to Shun Accountability Part 2 of 3 by Dianna Booher
Channel: Dianna Booher - Communication Strategist & Author
Date: 2013-05-09

http://www.booherresearch.com  1-817-283-2333
Executive Communication Expert Dianna Booher

Result:  Uncivil discourse prevails when open, honest dialogue would better solve challenging problems and strengthen, rather than weaken, relationships.

---"He left to pursue other opportunities."

Translation:  "He has been fired or asked to resign." We routinely see and hear this statement when someone leaves an organization abruptly—even when a scandal involving them has made national headlines, when rumors run rampant, or when tweets trend to the top.
  
Result:  Skepticism and distrust grow.

---"That division has seen less than stellar performance."

Translation: "This division has hit rock bottom." Or: "This division has decreased from its typically high performance."

Result:  This ambiguous statement sets off a scramble to accurately assess the department's performance and its ramifications.  Defenders of the performance will be upset.  Outsiders will be alarmed.