{"id":3194,"date":"2020-01-26T14:28:17","date_gmt":"2020-01-26T19:28:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-alexis.monville.com\/en\/?p=3194"},"modified":"2026-01-25T10:22:35","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T15:22:35","slug":"coming-to-terms-with-terms-michael-delanzo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog-alexis.monville.com\/en\/2020\/01\/26\/coming-to-terms-with-terms-michael-delanzo\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Shared Language Matters: How Terms Shape Collaboration"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Many collaboration issues are attributed to disagreement, lack of alignment, or resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In reality, they often start much earlier, with something far more subtle: using the same words to mean different things<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this episode of Le Podcast on Emerging Leadership<\/em>, I had the great pleasure of welcoming Michael DeLanzo<\/strong> to explore why coming to terms with terms<\/em> is such a critical leadership practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A misunderstanding that sparked the conversation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The idea for this episode came from a feedback exchange following the podcast episode How to Create Great Goals?<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a listener, Michael initially disagreed with the level of abstraction and scope I was proposing for goals and objectives. As we discussed further, it became clear that the disagreement was not about intent or quality, but about definitions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were using the same words, goals<\/em> and objectives<\/em>, with different meanings. Once we clarified our respective definitions, the apparent disagreement disappeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clarifying terms as a leadership act<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This led us to a broader realization: clarifying terms is the starting point for any meaningful collaboration<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without shared definitions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • conversations drift<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • decisions become fragile<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • frustration accumulates silently<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Clarity of language creates clarity of thought and action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Communication modes matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    We also explore how different communication modes influence understanding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • written versus spoken communication<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • synchronous versus asynchronous exchanges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Each has strengths and risks, and misunderstanding often arises when the mode is chosen by habit rather than intention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Cultural and language differences further amplify these challenges. As the quote often attributed to George Bernard Shaw puts it:
      \u201cBritain and America are two nations divided by a common language.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Thinking, meetings, and time well spent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The conversation touches on the difference between passive thinking<\/strong> and critical thinking<\/strong>, and why writing can be a powerful tool to support deeper reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      We reference ideas such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • \u201cMeetings are the last resort, not the first option\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • \u201cFive people in a room for an hour isn\u2019t a one-hour meeting, it\u2019s a five-hour meeting\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        We also discuss practices used at companies like Amazon and Twitter, where written documents replace slide decks and create space for shared understanding and better decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        A question to close<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Michael ends the episode with a question from Daniel Kahneman\u2019s Thinking, Fast and Slow<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        A bat and a ball cost $1.10.
        The bat costs $1.00 more than the ball.
        How much does the ball cost?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        It\u2019s a simple question that reveals how easily assumptions slip in when we don\u2019t slow down and examine our thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Further reading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        During the episode, we reference several resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Understanding A3 Thinking<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Thinking, Fast and Slow<\/em> by Daniel Kahneman<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Changing Your Team From The Inside<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          All of them, in different ways, explore how clarity, thinking, and responsibility shape effective work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          A final thought<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          When collaboration feels hard, it\u2019s tempting to look for better tools, better processes, or better alignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Sometimes, the most impactful move is much simpler: slow down and clarify the words you are using<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n