I used to be a linguist.* Apparently, once you’re a linguist, you’re always a linguist (and once an editor, you always spell “you’re” correctly). So I have some thoughts on words.

This image is from a great article about five things linguistics majors are tired of hearing. Back in the Olden Days, we would have agreed, too.
We all like to talk, at least those of us here at Hermit Haus. But, do we like to communicate? Sometimes we like that better than other times.
To communicate, the people involved need to both talk AND listen. It can feel pretty bad to have explained something, provided some information on a project, or given some news, only to have someone ask, “What did you say about that?” later in the conversation or the next day.
I read an article that said 40% of what makes an effective manager is listening skills. It doesn’t hurt as an employee, either. Funny enough, we all think we have good listening skills. Literally, all, according to the article. Sigh. Ain’t true (you are allowed to say “ain’t” – trust me, I’m a linguist).
People who don’t feel heard in a business setting can experience:
- Lowered morale
- Disincentive to participate further
- Decreased trust of team members
- Lessened motivation to pay attention, themselves
No reference. I totally made this up based on personal experience. Or maybe it’s something I read by Deborah Tannen.