What's in a Name? Establishing Corporate Terminology

by Carl Pritchard

In both our personal and professional lives, language means things. Terms take on the meaning we give them. They provide communications context. Common references, common understanding of terms, and common language allow for freedom of communication that cannot otherwise be achieved. Organizationally, it becomes incumbent on us to become the Noah Websters or the "namers," in order to create an environment where personnel are using the same terms across the board consistently. And in the process of doing so, we clarify our authority within the organization as well.