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Are You Creating A Language Barrier?
Eliminate your profanity in the workplace
by by Dr. Beverly Langford, author of "The Etiquette Edge" and president of LMA Communication. Dr. Langford teaches management communication in the Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University.
August 18, 2008
S
ingers do it. Actors do it. Comedians do it. In fact, we all do it—to
some extent. Cursing has become part of the American way of life. Today, grandmothers
use words that would once have made a sailor blush.
We previously reserved swearing for when we rear-ended the driver in front of us, got a
discouraging message at the ATM, or tripped over the coffee table. However, today, cursing
seems appropriate when we’re surprised, delighted, horrified, amused, or even sympathetic.
So, it’s not big deal, right? Before you decide that anything goes when it comes to language,
consider another four-letter word—Work. You may want to think again before you let your
language run free in the office.
Although a recent study at Britain’s East Anglia University suggests that unconventional or foul language in the workplace can actually have a positive impact by creating solidarity and enhancing group cohesiveness, most of the evidence suggests otherwise. And even in this particular study, management professor Yehuda Baruch cautions against letting this loose language spill over into customer interaction.
On the other hand, TheLadders.com, an online search site for six-figure jobs, surveyed 2,500 executives and found that foul language can get you fired. Of the managers who had fired employees for etiquette issues, 38% cited cursing as the reason—as opposed to 35% for drinking and 28% for spending too much time on personal phone calls.
Obviously, we live in a society that tolerates free speech, but we also have to live with the consequences of our words. Here are a few tips to keep in mind so that you don’t suffer professionally from a slip of the tongue or a deliberate expletive.
Remember that cursing is a habit that’s sometimes hard to break. We have all used a word in an inappropriate place when we didn’t intend to do so. Our speech patterns become second nature to us. So, you can’t always count on being able to turn your language choices on and off at will, if cursing is so much a part of your conversation that you don’t think about it. What may be acceptable to your friend on the softball team the may offend that potential client.
Cursing is in the ear of the beholder. A word or phrase that seems perfectly harmless in your mind may be highly distasteful to someone else. Unless you know someone really well, err on the side of caution. Just assume that they other person doesn’t want to hear your colorful vocabulary. Save it for your close associates whom you know won’t be offended.
Watch your language in public places. Particularly if you’re in close quarters, people can’t help hearing what others say. On an elevator, public transportation, in the company cafeteria, or the theater, people can hear you whether they want to or not. Pay special attention if children are within earshot.
Don’t use cursing to intimidate or demonstrate your power. Those who use offensive language around subordinates are indulging in a form of verbal bullying that is abusive and unacceptable. Particularly if the person to whom you speak doesn’t feel free to object, you are creating a hostile environment and exposing yourself to harassment charges.
In today’s workplace, people often tend to take a “live and let live” attitude toward many behaviors, so people may not always confront you if you use language that offends or embarrasses them. Therefore, your language may be affecting your professional success in ways of which you aren’t even aware. That person who didn’t react to your language may be the one who can make or break your career. On the other hand, if your language is always courteous and polished, you may just have the inside track for that big promotion.
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