Effective language for teams: Moving from judgment to action
Effective language for teams: moving from judgment to action
Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful teams. Understanding how to use language effectively can significantly impact team dynamics and productivity. Let's explore the differences between judgmental and performative speaking and how to transform conversations into actionable steps.
Judgmental vs. performative speaking
In any business setting, you'll encounter two types of communication: judgmental and performative. Judgmental language involves making assessments and often leads to unproductive discussions. Performative language, on the other hand, is action-oriented and drives progress.
Imagine a football game. The players on the field are the ones making things happen, coordinating actions to achieve their goals. The spectators in the stands, however, are merely making judgments and assessments about the players' performance. Similarly, in the workplace, some team members are actively getting things done, while others may be stuck in judgmental conversations.
The four types of performative language
To foster a productive environment, it's essential to use performative language, which includes declarations, promises, requests, and assertions.
Declaration: This is a promise for the future. For example, JFK's declaration to land on the moon was a powerful promise that rallied the nation. In a business context, a declaration might be, "We will become the leading team in our market."
Promise: A commitment made in the present. It's like a handshake that solidifies an agreement. For instance, "I promise to deliver the report by Friday."
Request: This involves asking for a commitment with an expectation of satisfaction. For example, "I request your support on this project to ensure its success."
Assertion: Providing evidence to support a statement. Unlike assessments, assertions are backed by data and facts. For example, "Our team has increased sales by 20% this quarter, demonstrating our effectiveness."
Converting judgment into action
While judgmental language can create bonds through shared dissatisfaction, it doesn't move projects forward. To transform judgmental conversations into productive ones, it's crucial to convert them into declarations, promises, requests, or assertions. For instance, if a team member complains about management, guide them to make a specific request to address the issue directly.
Action plan for effective team language
Identify communication patterns: Observe whether your team is using judgmental or performative language. Awareness is the first step toward improvement.
Encourage performative language: Promote the use of declarations, promises, requests, and assertions in team conversations to drive action.
Convert assessments: When you encounter judgmental language, help the speaker convert it into an actionable statement. For example, turn "I wish management would communicate better" into "Can we request regular updates from management?"
Practice and reinforce: Consistently apply and reinforce the use of performative language in meetings and interactions.
Reflection and implementation
This week, focus on your team's communication patterns. Identify instances of judgmental language and practice converting them into performative statements. Notice the impact on team dynamics and productivity. By mastering effective language, you can enhance your team's performance and achieve better results.
Effective language is more than just words; it's about creating a culture of action and accountability. By shifting from judgment to performative speaking, teams can move forward with clarity and purpose, turning conversations into tangible outcomes.
Watch my video for more on this topic…