Editorial
“Hi guys…”
In workplaces across America, people hear this phrase daily — in meetings, among teammates, and on television. It’s universal. But stop for a moment and think about “guys” from a different perspective. Although it might roll off your tongue without any forethought, consider that to your listener, the phrase may sound like you are perpetuating gender bias and exclusion.
If it surprises you that this seemingly innocuous phrase is off-putting, then consider that not everyone finds it acceptable to be identified from a masculine context. More importantly, using “guys” casually may actually be offensive since it disregards and erases the identities of those who do not identify as male. For leaders and managers who want to create workplace excellence, using insensitive language just won’t do.
The Impact of Insensitivity
I get it. Many people, including women, see “guys” as a perfectly acceptable greeting and don’t see it as a gendered word. However, from a different viewpoint, consider the interconnectivity of today’s world. The words we choose have a profound impact on our success, both personally and professionally. Wouldn’t you want to make sure you’re not offending anyone — particularly with such an innocuous phrase?
Thoughtful and respectful language not only builds stronger relationships and fosters trust, but it also improves transparency and presents our best selves consistently. Conversely, poorly chosen or unthinking words can alienate, offend and push people away, often without us even realizing why. You might not even realize that you are creating a hurtful environment for a colleague or staffer, but lack of education simply won’t cut it anymore. We all have a responsibility to learn inclusive, respectful language.
Within the workplace, the repeated use of exclusionary language over time creates a toxic culture, high employee turnover and a damaged reputation. Even one thoughtless comment in a job interview can cause an outstanding candidate to decline your offer and go to a competitor who more clearly abides by the corporate values they espouse. Similarly, a culturally insensitive remark on a sales call can drive prospective clients to seek alternatives, and one ill-phrased social media post can send customers into a frenzy, impacting stock prices.
Not surprisingly, people prefer to spend their time and money in places where they feel respected and included. What may be surprising, however, is how easily you can start shifting your own word choice habits to unlock workplace excellence.
Related Article: Corporations Are Reevaluating Their DEI Programs
Why Inclusive Language Matters
Inclusive language goes beyond avoiding exclusion and offense. By choosing words that honor others’ backgrounds, identities and experiences, you create a positive and productive culture within and outside the workplace. You set the tone for mutual respect, teamwork, civility, productivity and innovation. Inclusive language fosters an environment where the best ideas can flourish because people feel safe and encouraged to contribute.
Learning best practices for inclusive language also empowers you to interact confidently with individuals from diverse backgrounds. You will no longer feel nervous about choosing the right words when engaging with a new colleague from a different culture. You won’t shy away from conversation with the friendly HR representative who uses a wheelchair and greets you every morning. The right words signal that people’s ideas, personalities and perspectives are welcome and valued as part of your team.
Ask Questions and Learn the Guidelines
At The Diversity Movement, we’ve seen firsthand that most people genuinely want to do the right thing. They want their words to align with their good intentions. However, they may lack the knowledge to make the appropriate choices. Questions about whether to say “African American,” “Black,” or “People of Color,” or if it is acceptable to use the term “handicapped parking,” may arise. Likewise, navigating the grammar behind the singular “they” or how to address someone in an email when their gender is unknown can be challenging.
To address these questions, it is crucial to understand inclusive language guidelines and also recognize when it’s acceptable to deviate from the rules. The best approach is to reflect the language that individuals use to describe themselves.
When uncertain, take the time to respectfully ask, “I’m learning more about inclusive language and want to ensure I’m using the most respectful term. Could I ask how you identify?” In situations when there isn’t time to ask, it is essential to stay focused on relevance. In most cases, unnecessary personal details have no bearing on the conversation. For instance, when seeking Noor in accounting, do we need to know that she is a thin woman who wears a headscarf, or is it sufficient to know that Noor from accounting works in the third office on the right?
Related Article: How to Tackle Microaggressions in The Digital Workplace
Match Your Intention to Your Word Choice
Alignment between your intentions and your words leads to more effective and authentic communication. This alignment is equally crucial in writing and leadership. It’s the reason why certain movies, songs, and novels deeply resonate with us — they express precisely what we feel, but struggle to articulate.
When leaders use the right words that align with their intended message, we not only understand their vision, but also feel personally invited to join them on their journey. Our unconscious minds recognize respectful and intentional language as a reflection of respectful and well-intentioned individuals. And those are the leaders we are eager to work for.
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By embracing the power of inclusive language, you can create a workplace where respect, understanding and collaboration thrive. Start today by adopting inclusive language practices, learning from diverse perspectives, and making a conscious effort to align your words with your intentions. As you do, you'll unlock the true potential of your team and pave the way for a more inclusive and successful future.
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