Few people enjoy profanity directed at them, and no manager should accept any form of profanity directed at them. Never tolerate obscene language that is recognized as rude, offensive, disrespectful, or excuse-driven language involving “you should or I would, could, might, or I’ll try.”
Anytime an employee speaks excuse-based words, you are guaranteed that time and money have been wasted by the person more interested in making excuses than being accountable for the results of their actions.
Overview
Profanity is defined as profane and obscene language. These words are considered rude, offensive, and disrespectful.
In business, profanity is expressed not in vulgar and obscene “swear” words but in excuses people lean on to justify why they didn’t produce a desired result or get something done.
Employee profanity that should be censored from your business involves words like “should, would, could, I’ll try, or might.” These words convey an employee struggling in their work or life. Anytime you hear these words associated with why something wasn’t done, stop the person using the business profanity to focus the conversation on why something didn’t get done, not the excuses for it not happening.
Employees consider “You must” or “You need to …” as profanity when it involves them. Employees do not need to do anything and will resist if you force them. Managers avoid slipping into this trap through questions, not statements. The use of statements should be limited to summarizing what has been said or making a point based on fact. NEVER say, “You must.”