In every business transaction, it is wise to spend some time imagining how one's actions might look in the future in a courtroom. An agreement may have been in writing originally but the parties to it may have made numerous oral modifications that substantially affect its terms. Probably very little could be proven if neither side makes an effort to record changes in writing. Use Language Clearly It should be clear to most business managers that the law at times takes words very literally. A decision maker may feel awkward being blunt with clients, employees, or vendors, but a little clear language at the start of a business relationship can prevent a lot of headaches later.
Courts sometimes can interpret unclear language in a way the parties never intended.
If so, that employee should know that he or she is being terminated and should be told the legally permissible reason for the termination. When people deal with each other in person, facial expressions and nuances of language communicate a significant portion of their intentions. In phone conversations or written documents, the literal words alone have to carry all the intent. Thus, it is important for businesspeople to develop habits of using language precisely. Develop a Healthy Dose of Skepticism Many commercial disputes can be avoided if business managers develop a more realistic sense of reading people and the promises they make.