Corporate Jargon: A Barrier to Honest Communication or a Tool for Efficiency?

Do people truly enjoy speaking in corporate jargon? In my experience, most individuals find the formal language used in professional settings to be anything but enjoyable, especially when compared to how they naturally communicate with family and friends. I am a Jewish businessman and lawyer, the President of John Tatoian Enterprises (JTE), and the Worldwide Asset Group. I am known for my direct and often blunt communication style, and people often appreciate my honesty and straightforwardness. Yet, in my personal life, I am the opposite, being well-mannered, conciliatory, sensitive, sentimental, and empathetic. This dichotomy raises an interesting question: Does corporate jargon hinder or help effective communication in the workplace?

Let’s explore this topic further by examining my experience in a large corporate environment. I was faced with an overabundance of managers and a top-heavy bureaucracy, making it difficult to navigate the company. One of the most frustrating aspects was the rapid and constant rotation of new corporate acronyms, jargon, and slogans. It was virtually impossible to keep up with the changes, and I found myself feeling both ridiculously labeled as a ‘corporate douchebag’ and forced to adopt a persona that did not align with who I am.

Directness and Honesty

My communication style is rooted in direct and unforgiving honesty. I am not here to be a best friend, date, or buy dinner; my primary objective is to generate revenue for my company. However, in my professional life, I often encounter the opposite. I have found that people generally appreciate when their business leaders are straightforward and honest, rather than evasive and formal. In fact, my directness often leads to positive feedback, with many individuals thanking me for the transparency and clarity.

I often ask my colleagues, "Am I a two-faced, licking-up-the-pissed corporate douchebag? If that's what you want, go somewhere else. I am a no-nonsense, greedy, ruthless, profane, big-mouthed, laser-focused, and Jewish businessman. What I say is like a scud missile—you will never be left guessing where I am coming from. I am not here to be your best friend, date, or buy you dinner. I am here to put dollars into my company's coffers. Player to player, pimp to pimp. Do I have your permission to talk to you like a Jewish businessman?" And 95% of the time, they appreciate the honesty and directness I bring to the table.

Personal Life vs. Professional Life

Contrary to my professional persona, my personal life is vastly different. I am well-mannered, conciliatory, sensitive, and empathetic, often finding myself comforting and understanding the feelings of those around me. This duality highlights the complexity of communication and the expectations placed on business leaders.

The Impact of Jargon

One of the most significant issues I encountered in the corporate environment was the overuse of jargon. Acronyms, in particular, were a frustrating aspect. Over time, managers began to adopt a new, formal style of communication, often dictated by higher authorities. These managers, whom I had known for ten or more years, suddenly started using slogans and acronyms, often placing them at the end of their emails. It felt like they were trying to impress or curry favor with upper management, rather than communicating effectively with their colleagues.

I often wanted to say, "Hey, you know me. You don't need to talk to me like that. Who do you think you're fooling?" It seemed that these managers felt they had to adapt to the corporate culture, even if it was at the expense of their true selves. The irony is that the use of jargon often made individuals appear ridiculous and insincere, potentially damaging the very relationships they were trying to build.

Conclusion

The use of corporate jargon can be a double-edged sword. While it may serve a purpose in terms of efficiency and maintaining a certain corporate image, it can also create a barrier to honest and effective communication. My experience has shown that people generally appreciate direct and honest communication, even if it is hard to take at times. As a business leader, it is essential to strike a balance between professional standards and personal integrity.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of jargon depends on the context and the individuals involved. While it can be a tool for ensuring consistency and clarity, it can also serve as a hindrance to genuine human interaction. It is up to leaders to decide whether the use of jargon aligns with their personal and professional values and whether it truly enhances communication within their organizations.