Language Of Quality

Peter L. Benson’s words got me. During his TED talk on “Sparks: how you thrive.”, he mentioned the “language of quality”.

These words caught my attention. It got me thinking, wondering. About the role and importance of that “language of quality” in the working culture.

Words matter (and yes, it is also about the action). Words can create new connections. Words can create hope, trust, respect, vision, appreciation, reassurance. The words you are choosing when speaking to yourself and to others do matter.

Benson explains how when he interviewed parents and asked what they wished for their children, the parents used a language of quality. It sounds like this: the wish for the child to be joyful, happy, safe, appreciated. No one used the language of quantity: I want my child to hit this or that sales number or become the best amongst the top of the…

LANGUAGE OF QUALITY IN THE WORKING CULTURE

So, switching to the work culture, and no, neither the employer nor the employee is the parent or child within this context. Neither it is about erasing the language of quantity. The question is: How can we extend the language of quantity and speak both languages instead? How can we “animate the inner engine” of the people by speaking a language of quality?

In today’s productive, fast, result and growth driven, performance orientated work culture, what "quality benefits" might this "language of quality" bring in the longterm?

Our words have an effect, they matter. It matters how often we use certain words and how rarely we mention other words. What words could be mentioned less and what other words should be said more and often? What effect, what change would that bring?

EXAMPLES OF LANGUAGE OF QUANTITY AND LANGUAGE OF QUALITY

Wrote up some examples for both languages:

Language of quantity: deadline, loss, profit, growth, time, money, budget, results, plan, sales, competition, benchmarks, best, first, most, more, top ten, top hundred, expand.

Language of quality: trust, connection, commitment, appreciation, meaning, contribution, wellbeing, autonomy, flexibility, engagement, support, kindness, respect, learning.

Stopping here, for now ; )