Clichés are so easy to use – but they are a cop-out.
You may think they’re great ways to connect with people, motivate your team or sound authoritative.
But most business clichés are overused, outdated and meaningless. Simply put, they’re ambiguous and have no impact.
In Finance, you don’t want to be meaningless, outdated or unoriginal. You want to make an impact whether you’re communicating with your team, colleagues, clients or the CEO.
Negative Impact of Clichés, Jargon
But it’s not just that. Using clichés and jargon leaves you sounding less credible. In a study from Columbia University, the researcher, Professor Adam Galinsky, found that when people feel insecure about their status, they use clichés and jargon to make it look like they’re higher standing – kind of like the way some people wear a fancy watch or drive an expensive car as status symbols.
So, at the risk of sounding like an insecure finance pro – which you clearly are not – you want to avoid jargon.
Here are 11 business clichés you want to steer clear of:
1. ‘There is no ‘I’ in team’
First, employees don’t need a spelling lesson. Second, there is a lot of “I” on any team. Each individual adds a specific talent, perspective and motivation.
The best leaders help each team member recognize his or her special contributions to reaching the overall goal. And they help individuals reach for goals that further their professional development.
2. ‘It is what it is’
Not only does this sound flippant, it sounds hopeless. Plus, it could leave people wondering what the heck “it” is.
You definitely want to be specific: “We can’t change the fact that … so I recommend … “
3. ‘Let’s take it to the next level’
It’s a totally empty phrase if no one knows what the “next level” is.
It sounds motivational but is meaningless if you’re not spelling out exactly what that entails. And most people leave that part out.
So, if you’re not following it with something like “increase profits by 25%,” then it’s a wasted statement.
4. ‘Work smarter, not harder’
While it’s a good concept, it’s not an effective way to direct people to do their jobs. It implies they’re dumb and they should know how to do things more efficiently.
Instead, show them better ways to accomplish tasks. Or, give them time and resources to work on a more efficient workflow.
5. ‘Failure is not an option’
Some leaders use this cliché when they’re frustrated by a difficult goal and the possibility that it might not be met.
Truth is, failure is a possibility for every finance team every day, week or quarter. When things look bleak, ask your team to review what’s been done, where mistakes have been made, and how you can change your approach to make success look more likely.
6. ‘Let’s manage expectations’
Leaders who use this phrase can hurt their credibility and employee morale because it sounds like they aren’t being truthful. And they undercut their employees by assuming they can’t handle all the facts.
Instead, tell the truth. Be candid with employees with as much information as you have. Let them ask questions and answer what you can to make the picture is clear.
7. ‘We need to focus on adding value’
That should be the focus all the time – and it’s never more true than in Finance.
When employees or teams start to fall off course, it’s more effective to get them focused on value by helping them identify what needs improvement and how they can adjust to get back on track.
8. ‘Let’s start some blue sky thinking here’
And while we’re talking about blue sky thinking, let’s add its senior-citizen cousin, “Think outside of the box.”
Both are another way of saying we need to stay ahead of change with new and different ideas.
Just encourage different thinking by continually asking, “What if …?”
9. ‘I have limited bandwidth’
Some people use this phrase, borrowed from the Techies, as a cheap excuse when they’re too busy to help. They might say it rather than adjust or simply say they’re busy at the moment.
Better bet is to admit you don’t have time now and suggest another point when you might be able to handle it.
10. ‘At the end of the day’
Unless you’re truly talking about closing time, skip it.
Try “finally,” “when we’re done” or “ultimately,” which better describe where you’re headed and what the outcome might be.
11. ‘We’ll circle back’
It’s an overused, almost silly, noncommittal way of saying you’ll call, email, text, etc. to find out what’s going on.
So just tell people what you’ll do – call, email, text – and when you’ll do it.
Now … Build Vocabulary, Credibility
Once you eliminate clichés, you’ll have more opportunity, both in your spoken words and in your writing, to use meaningful phrases and words that build credibility.
Try to use these more often.
- I understand. Empathy conveys acceptance, care and compassion – traits that build better relationships and effective communication with your team, colleagues and clients.
- Like you, I care about this topic. Transparency and camaraderie build trust. It’s a powerful phrase when you must share bad news, respond to a suggestion or hear out employees or colleagues.
- We share a common goal (or challenge). When you tell people you’re on the same side, you build bridges and tear down walls.
- What this means to you is … Employees and colleagues want to know that you have their best interests in mind, whether you’re talking about – or to them – individually or as a group. This is especially true when you’re discussing financial matters that impact them.
- What do you think? Spend more time listening to employees and less time throwing around clichés to build engagement and gain useful insight.
