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Corporate Jargon Is the Death of Communication
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This week we'll talk about something I struggle the most. I'm a very direct person. Coporate jargon destroys my effort to make things happen for stakeholders. Here is how you can manage it using Data Concierge Agile.
Corporate Jargon Is the Death of Communication
Don’t be shy. You know you agree with me.
If you want to have a better relationship with your stakeholders, start talking like an actual human being.
When I first left academia, I knew I had to get rid of my scientific jargon. I was excited to learn how the business leaders talk. In the movies, they’re eloquent and competent. “I couldn’t wait to talk sleek like them,” I thought.
After a few years in the corporate world, I’ve grown to dislike corporate jargon.
I consider it the most meaningless way of communication, worse than guessing people’s minds.
Data projects are complex. The level of skills required to communicate well for a data project is higher than most projects. You need to articulate not only your thoughts but also simplify the complexity of the work without sounding patronizing.
Imagine adding corporate jargon to the mix. Even with the most advanced translator, you wouldn’t be able to understand what in the world it’s going on.
If an audience doesn’t know what’s going on, then what are you doing here?
People who use corporate jargon probably don’t plan to do anything concrete, using it as a shield for not solving problems.
To make matters worse, the data analytics field has slowly adopted various Agile methodologies.
Don’t get me wrong, Agile is good. However, it’s an overkill to repackage the core Agile methodology features to a series of certifications and courses. The market keeps creating variations in Agile project management methodology.
I’m proposing the new and the simpler way: Data Concierge Agile.
Data Concierge Agile has a laser focus on stakeholders.
Wait, did you just repackage it and name it something else?
Well, I simplified it so everyone can understand it! Read on!
Here are some scenarios when corporate jargon strikes. I’ll show an example of it and what it takes for stakeholders to understand using Data Concierge Agile.
Scenario 1 — Data Project Kick-off:
Corporate Jargon:
“We’re going to usher in digital transformation and innovate our data analytics function. In a few months, it will reveal hidden insights to us. This project will improve both the top line and the bottom line. Data science will revamp how we work.”
Data Concierge Agile:
“We’d like to understand your specific use cases before we provide solutions tailored to your needs. Could you walk us through a use case that you’d like to automate? Or could you share a business problem you’d like to solve using data?”
Scenario 2 — Progress Report:
Corporate Jargon:
“In our Agile model, we’ll do a system demo at the end of the Program Increment. This progress needs to be scalable, so we can be on track to deliver continuously. Product manager and owner need to be there. We’ll ensure that the Agile Release Train will be on track while gathering business owner’s feedback between PI.”
Seriously, what does this really mean?
Data Concierge Agile:
“We’ll meet as frequently as necessary to keep you in the loop of our progress. Now let’s plan on a weekly schedule. Feel free to call me or IM me. Also know that we’ll have many questions regarding the data, it’ll be greatly appreciated if you or the data owner can make yourselves available. We’re excited to deliver exactly what you need. The more we work together, the higher the quality of the end product is going to be.”
Does it sound more human now?
Final Delivery:
It’s important to reiterate the business significance of the end product.
Why did they need it?
How does your work help them?
Showcase that so they know you solved a big problem for them, not just some cool-looking platforms or models.
Corporate Jargon:
Well, they rarely deliver because they don’t even know what customers want. They might present something, it’s usually half-baked. When being asked why they didn’t reach out when they had questions, they change topics.
To avoid embarrassment, they throw out tech jargon and constraints they ran into, etc. Again, why didn’t they seek help before the final delivery?
Data Concierge Agile:
Successfully deliver what needs to be done and exactly as their stakeholders need. Both parties have been in touch throughout. The final delivery is never a surprise. It’s time to show off the good work.
Now try Data Concierge Agile yourself!
You’ll learn more about Data Concierge Agile in the upcoming newsletter.
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