The Motte and Bailey (Part 4 of 5)

Every softened word is a diluted currency unit.

Your organization is experiencing hyperinflation.

"Strategic" means nothing when it also means "follow SOPs." 

"Critical" applies to 70% of projects—all documented per process. 

"Innovation" means "change that fits the existing framework."

When language inflates, capital allocation dies.

The compound effect of schizophrenia:

Quarter 1: "Transform (within guidelines)"

Quarter 2: "Disrupt (approved process)"

Quarter 3: "Innovate (using standard methodology)"

Quarter 4: Words are just sounds now

Every SOP adds qualifiers.

Every qualifier dilutes meaning.

Soon you'll be speaking in asterisks.

Do you think this is fixed by better communication?

You can't communicate when "strategic" means both "take risks" and "follow the book."

High performers need precise language for precise work.

When words mean nothing, they leave.

Who stays? Those fluent in...

I'll leave that for another post.

How do you allocate resources when "strategic priority" could mean anything from "bet the company" to "check this box"?

(There’s a way, but it requires killing some sacred cows...)

Next: The antidote exists. But it starts with choosing