Teamwork Needs Teamwords: Updating Our Language for Inclusivity
Chamber leaders worldwide are building more inclusive organizations to best respond to changing member expectations. In a 2020 WEF survey of 21,000 adults from 28 countries, nearly 9 of 10 responded that “they want the world to change significantly and become more sustainable and equitable, rather than going back to how it was before the COVID crisis started.”
To build and nurture inclusive teams, members demand that a leader’s thoughts align with their words and actions. Words are the currency that fuels investment in our teams and teamwork needs team words.
Language shapes how we think and interact with the world.
Let’s move our teams forward by speaking mindfully and respectfully with our colleagues.
According to Diversio.com an AI-based DEI platform, because language is constantly changing, many idioms that were once commonplace now carry historical baggage or reinforce exclusionary ideas. In a recent presentation to Canadian chamber executives, I explored idioms to avoid, their origins and meanings. This article goes further by recommending more inclusive alternatives to use or simply retiring some idioms altogether:
1. Sold Down the River
Meaning: To betray someone for personal gain.
Origin: This phrase originates from the United States during slavery, when enslaved people were literally sold "down the river" to harsher conditions on Southern plantations.
Alternatives: “Sold a bill of goods.” “Taken for a ride.” "Betrayed," "Thrown under the bus."
2. Whitelist/Blacklist
Meaning: A "whitelist" refers to a list of items or people granted access, while a "blacklist" refers to those excluded.
Origin: The color-based dichotomy associates "white" with good and "black" with bad, reinforcing racial stereotypes.
Alternatives: "Allowlist/Denylist," "Approved/Restricted list."
3. Opening the Kimono
Meaning: To reveal information or share details transparently or prematurely.
Origin: This phrase is rooted in a stereotypical and reductive view of Japanese culture and is both offensive and outdated.
Alternatives: “Opening your hand,” "Showing your cards," "Laying it all on the table."
4. No Comments from the Peanut Gallery
Meaning: A phrase used dismissively for critics or commentators who are seen as unimportant or uninformed. Sometimes used in a poor attempt at humour.
Origin: This phrase harks back to the segregated sections of theaters, often where marginalized groups were seated, and has derogatory connotations.
Alternatives: “No quips from the corners.” Caution: there may not be a good alternative, given that the intent of the idiom is to squelch or exclude commentary. Better to encourage comment instead.
5. Grandfathered In
Meaning: To exempt someone or something from new rules due to prior conditions or timing.
Origin: This term traces back to post-Civil War voting laws in the U.S. that exempted white voters from literacy tests if their grandfathers had voting rights, effectively disenfranchising Black Americans.
Alternatives: "Given legacy status," "Exempt based on prior conditions." “Pre-authorized.”
6. Went Postal
Meaning: To act irrationally or violently due to stress or frustration.
Origin: This phrase stems from a series of tragic workplace shootings involving U.S. postal workers in the late 20th century, trivializing mental health and workplace violence.
Alternatives: “Lost their temper," "Overreacted," Caution: some may consider ‘Went bananas’ as an alternate, however, this too can be perceived as intentionally or unintentionally trivializing mental illness.
7. Circle the Wagons
Meaning: To rally together defensively, often against criticism or perceived threats.
Origin: This phrase comes from the violent conflicts between settlers and Indigenous peoples during the westward expansion in North America, perpetuating colonial narratives.
Alternatives: “Stand shoulder to shoulder,” "Rally together," "Form a united front."
8. Rule of Thumb
Meaning: A general guideline or principle.
Origin: The phrase is often linked to an old myth that English common law allowed men to beat their wives with sticks no thicker than their thumbs. While the origin is debated, the association with domestic violence makes it problematic.
Alternatives: “Rule of Thought,” "Guideline," "General principle."
Why These Changes Matter
In addition to a wonderful mosaic of cultures in today’s workplace, many also have staff and volunteers that have been born in up to five different decades. This diversity of ages, backgrounds and experiences is a strength for our chambers, if the language we use is supportive of teamwork and high performance. Language shapes how we think and interact with the world. By replacing outdated idioms with inclusive alternatives, or retiring them altogether, we demonstrate respect for the diverse experiences of others. These small changes can have a big impact in fostering understanding and equity in communication. Let’s move our teams forward by speaking mindfully and respectfully with our colleagues.
