Corporate buzzwords are everywhere. We "leverage synergies" instead of working together. We "right-size" instead of laying people off. We make "strategic pivots" instead of admitting we changed our minds.
Business speak feels safer. When you say "we're implementing a reduction in force," it sounds less harsh than "we're letting people go." The fancy words create distance between us and uncomfortable truths.
We also use jargon to sound smart or fit in. In boardrooms where everyone talks about "ideating solutions" and "driving stakeholder buy-in," plain English can feel risky. What if people think we don't belong?
But here's what happens when we hide behind corporate speak: We lose our teams.
The real cost of confusing language
When leaders use buzzwords, employees feel shut out. They can't engage with ideas they don't understand. Trust breaks down because people sense you're not being straight with them.
Jargon also kills creativity. When everything becomes a "best practice" or "industry standard," teams stop thinking for themselves. They follow processes instead of solving problems.
I've watched brilliant people check out of meetings because leaders spoke in code. These weren't dumb people — they were smart people who got tired of translating corporate nonsense.
How to speak human again
Start by catching yourself. Every time you want to say "facilitate," try "help" instead. Replace "utilize" with "use." Swap "incentivize" for "encourage."
Be direct about tough topics. Instead of "we're exploring headcount adjustments," say "we might need to cut jobs." Your team can handle the truth better than they can handle confusion.
Ask your team what they need to know. Then tell them in words they'd use with their families at dinner.
The payoff is real
When you ditch the jargon, amazing things happen. People ask better questions. They contribute more ideas. They trust you because you talk to them like they matter.
Your meetings get shorter because people understand what you mean the first time. Decisions happen faster because everyone knows what you're actually deciding.
Most importantly, your team feels like part of the conversation instead of victims of it.
Communication isn't about sounding impressive. It's about being understood. The best leaders I know talk like humans, not corporate robots.
Your people deserve better than buzzwords. Give them the respect of real talk.