Common Code Words Leaders Use to Shun Accountability Part 1 of 3 by Dianna Booher
Channel: Dianna Booher - Communication Strategist & Author
Date: 2013-05-09

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Executive Communication Expert Dianna Booher

Words can clarify or confuse.  A favorite pastime of mine is to watch politicians or corporate CEOs squirm when asked straightforward questions on sensitive issues.  Accountability can be tough; the language of leadership is not for the faint-hearted. 

Here are some of the top code lines that contribute to the growing cynicism in today's workplace:

---"We're not here to talk about the past. My focus is on the future."

Translation:  "I've made some mistakes and bad decisions that I don't want to admit. Let's not discuss those."

Result:  Others resist.  They push to talk about those mistakes the leader is trying to push under the proverbial rug.  And followers tend to emulate the leader, learning to side-step discussions about mistakes, weaknesses, or errors.  Lesson learned by observation:  Obfuscate.  Distract.  Triangulate.  

---"With all due respect..."

Translation:  'I'm about to make a disrespectful, insensitive comment that could be phrased more tactfully and objectively if I thought about it a moment."