How To Encourage Your Team To Use Shared Language
Define the common language. When you are onboarding your new hires, emphasize certain words or phrases intentionally. It is also crucial to provide detailed explanations to new joiners about the words you might be throwing around so that it is clear and they don’t have to assume the meaning of it. For example, if your company has “flexible working hours” or “unlimited leave policy”, new joiners could perceive this to mean many different things. Ensure everyone understands the accepted definition of terms used in a company.
Provide enough time for adaptation. When new comers join your company, they usually come in with their own set of ideas and ways of doing things. There will be a transition period for them to adjust to a new environment and working style. Anticipating this learning curve helps everyone be more understanding during this process.
Promote easy and honest communication. Create a method of communication where employees and new hires feel comfortable reaching out to others. Encourage employees and new hires to have consistent communication with their managers and colleagues, and be open and honest about their views. For example, it could be by making new comers feel comfortable asking questions when they just join the company.
Allow room for mistakes. When companies create a safe environment for employees to express their opinions, share their ideas, and enable employees to learn from failures, it gives them the opportunity to be creative and educate themselves faster.
What does your company language say about your culture, goals and alignment?
