The problem with buzzwords

 

Every few years, we see new “buzz words” being promoted in the workplace, and even more so in the education industry.  In no particular order or reason, here are a few:

·        Disruptive

·        360 reviews

·        Best practices

·        Consensus

·        Common core

·        Cooperative learning

·        Standards

·        Efficacy

Etc.

Right now, the current trendy buzzword or buzz phrase is “diversity, equity, and inclusion”. I see many companies hiring for those positions, I see these words being incorporated in mission plans, action plans, and so many other areas.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion: seems like a great idea, right? But how many companies are actually doing it? How many people can explain it in simple terms? How many companies try and communicate the message to all employees in ways that are clear?

Do you assign this position to the only minority (minority is more than just skin color) in the office because you think that is what needed? Do you post a hiring ad for a diversity director and then never fill it?

Buzzwords are not supposed to be just words, they are supposed to be a major shift in the way business is done. They are supposed to be a radical change in something we have been doing wrong or could be doing better. There is the saying in that education has not really changed in 100 years, and while that is not entirely accurate, it is also not completely wrong. Education is just as guilty of creating buzzwords, and then calling it a change, even though it really is not a change from the norm.

Real change is going to make a lot of people very uncomfortable; it really will “disrupt” lives. Real change is hard to come by, because nobody really likes to change and even more people fear it.

We need to do better, leadership needs to do better, and here is a radical thought: how about we start with simple courtesy. Let us use the platinum rule and treat people the way THEY want to be treated.

 

Dr Flavius A B Akerele III

The ETeam

 

#diverity #inclusion #change #equity #education #hiring #leadership