One of the reasons that humans have risen to the top of the food chain is our ability to communicate more effectively than other species. Payroll specialist Stuart Hall asks, “How often have you come across the quote, ‘Communication is key?’”[1] He explains, “It’s something we do every day of our lives, whether it be the spoken word, written correspondence, or through body language.” If you’ve ever traveled to a country where the population speaks a different language than you do, you know first-hand how important having a shared language can be. When it comes to innovation, experts insist having a shared language is also important. The staff at Strategyn notes, “A common language of innovation has the power to unite an organization in its effort to create new, breakthrough products. A common framework to understand the innovation problem opens the door to new ways to understand the solution.”[2]

The Importance of a Shared Vocabulary

A shared vocabulary is essential because what is said must be understood if progress is to be made. As Hall observes, “Communication is only effective if the receiver understands the message.” The quintessential story about miscommunication is the biblical tale of the Tower of Babel. In the story, humankind is cursed with a confounding of languages. The story is meant to be a cautionary tale against human hubris (pride); however, it also highlights the importance of language in humankind’s longing to stay connected. Journalist Andrew Hill believes a Vienna painting of the Tower of Babel story by Pieter Bruegel usually on display in would be particularly useful in learning more about good communication. He explains, “In the foreground, the king who ordered this monument to human ingenuity is bringing new orders to the stone-cutters. The knowledge that with one tongue-tying thunderbolt this tottering hive of invention will be rendered futile hangs over the painting. This would be a useful cautionary image to attach to any memo from the innovation team to head office and back again, or between the strategy team and workers on the front line.”[3]

Hill agrees with the Strategyn staff that “successful innovation needs a shared vocabulary.” He reports that Curtis Carlson, a Professor of Practice at Northeastern University, often asks groups of would-be innovators to write their definition of “innovation” on Post-it notes. Carlson told him that the definitions never agree. In fact, he told Hill, “Sometimes they don’t even make sense.” That’s a problem. Hill writes, “If a company’s people cannot communicate the how, why, and what of innovation to each other, the chances of progress are low.”

Another scholar, Jonathan D.E. Linton, a professor at the University of Sheffield, believes there needs to be a “De-Babelizing” of the language of innovation. He explains, “The language of innovation suffers from a rich vocabulary. Not only are many words offered, but different authors define or use these words in different ways. While at first appearance this may seem to be a function of the academic desire to either create new words or redefine existing words, on further consideration the challenge is the complexity of categorizing innovation.”[4]

Language and Innovation

Hill reports that Harvard Business School professor, Linda Hill, believes that shared purpose and shared values are the glue that holds organizations together and that rules of engagement are the grease that helps gets things done. All of these traits, however, rely on a common understanding grounded in shared language. One way to achieve a common understanding, according Carlson, is to teach the language of innovation to everyone in the organization. Before “the language of innovation” can be taught, however, it needs to be refined. To achieve that goal, corporate silos need to be breached.

Another way to help achieve a common understanding is by leveraging a shared system of intelligence. The Enterra System of Intelligence™ is a cutting-edge approach that combines the power of a human-like reasoning and trusted Generative AI with glass-box machine learning and real-world optimization to drive intelligent decision-making and fuel business growth. This system helps break down traditional organizational silos between marketing, sales, supply chain, and planning functions. It can also be used by innovation teams to break down information silos.

What’s most important, however, is fostering better communication between people. Hall offers five tips for improving communication. They are:

1. Be clear and concise while communicating. “When communicating,” Hall writes, “be clear about the objective and purpose of your message. Make sure your message is easily understood by keeping it succinct. People prefer short, sharp messages, so stick to the point and be clear about your intentions.”

2. Don’t make any assumptions. According to Hall, “Assumptions are formed when information is incomplete. It lacks evidence or facts, and it’s quite easy to form assumptions if you don’t ask the right questions. So, before you start, group your initial thoughts as fact or fiction. The more questions you ask, the less assumptions you’re likely to make.”

3. Listen with empathy. Listening has always been a critical part of communicating. Hall writes, “Empathic listening is the practice of being attentive and responsive to others during a conversation. By listening with empathy, you can make an emotional connection with the other person and provide a more heartfelt, personal response.”

4. Think before you speak. How often have regretted having said something in moment of anger or thoughtlessness? Hall explains, “A person’s choice of words and tone reveal a lot about them, so it’s important to prepare before speaking. Effective conversations are possible with advanced planning, preparation, and the formulation of what you want to say, and what you want to get out of the conversation.”

5. Learn the basics of non-verbal communication. Our body language often speaks louder than our words. Hall explains, “It’s said that non-verbal communication accounts for 55% of how an audience perceives a presenter. That means most communication is not through words, but through physical cues. Developing the ability to understand and use non-verbal communication can help you connect with others, express what you mean and build better relationships at home and at work.”

Concluding Thoughts

Whether you are trying to innovate or communicate, language (and body language) are critical to achieving your goal. The staff at Stevenson University explains, “When communication is effective, it leaves all parties involved satisfied and feeling accomplished. By delivering messages clearly, there is no room for misunderstanding or alteration of messages, which decreases the potential for conflict. In situations where conflict does arise, effective communication is a key factor to ensure that the situation is resolved in a respectful manner.”[5] When innovating, one way to ensure clearer communication is to understand fully what is desired. The Christensen Institute recommends the “Jobs to Be Done” theory that that helps innovators understand how and why people make decisions.[6] There is no single path to innovation; however, clear communication is required regardless of the path you take.

Footnotes

[1] Stuart Hall, “The importance of communication,” Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals,” 7 February 2022.

[2] Staff, “Language Of Innovation,” Strategyn.

[3] Andrew Hill, “Successful innovation needs a shared vocabulary,” Financial Times, 2 December 2018.

[4] Jonathan D.E. Linton, “De-babelizing the language of innovation,” Science Direct, November 2009.

[5] Staff, “The Importance of Effective Communication,” Stevenson University Online.

[6] Staff, “Jobs to Be Done Theory,” The Christensen Institute.