It’s that time of the year. It’s not so long ago that we would wish each other Happy Christmas, or Christmas Greetings, with ne’er a care in the world…. if we were Christian, or from a Christian heritage, nobody thought anything of it. The meaning was shared by all.

But of course, in our multi-cultural age we have to become more sensitive to certain phrases and sentiments that might not be shared by everyone. Happy Holidays is used now by some, but not liked by each of us as it can bring up a feeling of “Americanised”, or Walt Disney commercialisation. So Season’s Greetings conveys the sentiment we desire, without carrying with it negative connotations.

A typical phrase in management speak is the “Command and Control” style of management and leadership. It too is imbued with meanings that will change according to both the user of the  phrase, and the reader/listener. Linguistically, it is ambiguous to begin with. Curiously, the words Command and Control are both verbs and nouns. I command you to do something. The command was given. I control the budget. It is under my control.

But more importantly, perhaps, the phrase is most typically used to denote a military and hierarchical style of management. It’s often used with negative attributions, especially for the objects of what was often seen as oppression. Your mindset might underpin your use of the word as a shorthand way to denote the negative meaning – encompassing the spectrum of behaviours at one end of the spectrum that can be stifling, dictatorial, authoritarian, even bullying … leaving blood on the floor. However, I might understand and value the principles of clear direction, chain of command, accountability and responsibility, the positive end of the spectrum … especially if in my own background I have experienced the positive elements of the spectrum … for example in a military career.

As neutral words, there is nothing wrong with  the management sentiments of command – what is under my jurisdiction, what orders and instructions I am responsible for giving; and control – what I need to manage. However, can we be sure that the recipient of the phrase has the same understanding of our meaning? This is especially true in our globalized world where many of our co-workers don’t have English as their native language. For example, the  French verb  ”commander” in French (eg il commande)  also holds the meaning of ordering from a menu, or ordering a French book from Amazon.

All these are good reasons to make sure we are not lazy in our use of words when trying to communicate with others. Let’s embrace the exploration and use of “clean language”, not in pursuit of “political correctness”, but to ensure that we can develop and use communications in which the meaning can be shared by all. So if “command and control” are outmoded descriptions of the role and responsibilities of leaders, what words would we use instead? Let’s focus on desired behaviours and required outcomes.

So – Season’s Greetings to you all, wherever you are. Have a good rest, enjoy time with friends and family, celebrate what is important to you, to face 1212 revitalised and renewed.