[March 3, 2018] There’s a bit of old military humor that circulates occasionally that tells us about different cultures among the armed services. The central theme is that certain words can have significantly different meanings. The lesson is a good one and says that leaders must be precise in their speech. Here’s the joke:
The reason the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines bicker amongst themselves is that they don’t speak the same language. For instance, take the simple phrase “secure the building”. The Army will post guards around the place. The Navy will turn out the lights and lock the doors. The Marines will kill everybody inside and set up a headquarters. The Air Force will take out a 5 year lease with an option to buy.
As a U.S. Army Engineer and working alongside all branches of the military plus those from other nations, I had to practice caution on how I spoke and gave orders. For example, one morning about 10:00am I told my staff to “plan and design” a parcel of ground for an incoming Infantry Brigade. Time was short and the project was to be completed in 30 days. That’s an unusually short timeline.
Two hours later I went to see the land for myself. On the hood of my Humvee, I drew a preliminary sketch with my assistant Design Engineer watching me. Before I was done, an Army unit was one ground and began bulldozing the ground to prepare it for work. My Air Force engineers said it would take three days to plan and design it. My Marine engineers were on hold getting their weapons and vehicles ready. And my Navy Seabees were waiting for me to order their equipment and manpower to move to the site.
The lesson was simple but difficult. Use language precisely, ensuring everyone understand both the intent and words that are being spoke. One way to do this is to make effective use of terms of reference, rehearsals, keeping things simple, personal coaching, and a host of professional tools that make the job of good communication more effectively.
When working with people, even professionals, if something can go wrong it surely will go wrong. Clear, precise use of grammar and syntax, along with a common understanding of technical terms, is what good leadership is about.
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Leaders need to be precise in everything they do and say. Failure to do this opens them up to legitimate criticism and complaints.
Too many leaders are unclear and, frankly, not smart enough to be clear. It is a rare treat when work for a leader who is precise because they are wonderful to work for.
Hillary Clinton coms to mind. She talks in platitudes and generalities. She avoids things people don’t like and always appeals to what is “fair”. This is classic political garbage. I am amazed that so many individuals are takne in by this trick. Sad.
Amazing how many aren’t either precise or articulate. And we let them get away with it.