The problem with “my employees”

You’ve seen how “the devil is in the details.” But did you also know that there’s “trouble in the terminology”?

Okay, this new phrase isn’t as catchy as the old “details” phrase. But it makes a crucial point: Some of the words we routinely use end up working against us. Some even do damage.

Take “my” and “employees.” When these two words pair up, they can be real trouble-makers.

You’ve heard them flying off most managerial lips: “I’ll share this information with my employees.” “My employees are on the third floor.” “Chris is one of my employees.”

There’s a reason “my” is a possessive pronoun. It conveys possession. Chris might have an issue with that.

“Employees” also deserves scrutiny. It’s one the words we least hear in everyday conversation, but at its root, it means “making use of.” That’s not terrible, but “associate” has better roots that mean “join with” and “unite.” Other good replacements are “team members” and “colleagues.”

Is all of this much ado about nothing? Perhaps.

But if we’re using certain words just because of verbal muscle memory, is that a good enough reason? If there are better words ready to be used instead, shouldn’t we give them a try? And if our new terminology sends a signal and helps build the kind of workplace culture we’re trying to build, isn’t it worth the change?

By Tom Terez • Contact