Words carry more gravity than a weapon and sometimes even a single word can make or break a relationship, especially at the workplace. The professional relationship includes relationships with sales prospects, clients, and most importantly, co-workers. One of the greatest mistakes that most people make is to consider language and action are two different things while language is nothing but a social action.
That is why paying attention to the language used is very important to make people feel valued, recognized, and appreciated. Learn the trick to avoid the big mistakes that can ruin your professional relationships. Here are some effective practices.
3 Ways of Being Mindful of Language at the Workplace
1. Pay Attention to Names
One of the most common types of mistakes would be being careless or disrespectful about names. It is especially hard for people who have low-frequency names or have names that are difficult to pronounce. However, with a little bit of effort, you can make them welcome.
- Spell the names correctly even if it is a bit foreign or difficult. Check out emails or other official sources to get the right name. If there is an accent in the name, use that.
- Say the names correctly. If you do not get it right make sure to ask. Without butchering their name, make sure you get the right pronunciation.
- Create and use short forms of bigger names that are acceptable for all. Abbreviations are great in this case. But do not use that in emails.
2. Stop Assuming Gender Identity
Another mistake in the modern days is deeply harming relationships when someone uses a wrong pronoun and misgenders. If you always make assumptions on the basis of how they look, most of you will get it wrong. You have to avoid language that does not match a person’s gender identity.
- Do not ever try to assume someone’s gender by their looks or someone you do not know. So avoid using phrases like “A man like you” or “A woman like you”. Use “A person like you” which is safe to use and does not offend anyone. It is best to keep it neutral until you know someone well.
- Just like you should not assume someone’s gender, you should not also assume the gender of someone’s romantic interest. Just like not everybody is straight, not everybody fits the gender binary. So, instead of asking their boyfriend or girlfriend; know their gender first.
- Always use the correct pronouns and using incorrect pronouns can create powerful negative effects.
- Make sure to know if someone uses honorifics like Ms., Mrs., Mr., Dr., etc. If it is there, make sure to use it to address someone respectfully.
3. Use of Gender-Binary Language
Most people who were raised speaking English, are culturally programmed to use language that depicts a picture of gender binary world. There is hefty use of male-specific words in English but gladly you can find many suitable synonyms as well.
- Move to a gender-neutral language where you can use ‘humankind’ instead of ‘mankind’, ‘synthetic’ in case of ‘manmade’, ‘intermediary’ instead of ‘middleman’, and many others. These words are more inclusive and are better received by the people around them.
- Get beyond the concept of gender binary as not everyone will fit in the frame. So, stop using phrases like ‘Ladies and Gentlemen’ for people, instead say ‘Esteemed Guests’.
Paying attention to names, not making gender assumptions, etc are easy and healthy practices that help you make stronger bonds with people while staying politically sound.
