It is very interesting to see what words are used when communicating success or failure. I have heard the phrase that “success has a thousand friends and failure has none” and I believe this to be true and evident in the language used in organisations to communicate success or failure.
For example –
Success – when a project or corporate objective is achieved the words used are “us, we, together” by people who were probably barely involved in the work. Inclusive words are used so everyone takes the glory of the success no matter their level of involvement.
Failure – when a project or corporate objective is not achieved the words used are “your, you, they” by people who were probably the senior leaders or sponsors of the work. Excluding words are used so to distance themselves from the failure, even if they were responsible for it.
Great leaders share the glory and acknowledge their part in any failures. These are the kinds of leaders that people want to work for and follow. Leaders that recognize the hard work of others instead of taking credit for other people’s work.
In conclusion, listen to the language used at your workplace or even on the news about a sports team when they talk about a success and failure. I believe that you will then realise why you trust and like certain leaders and why you do not trust or like others.
Successful International Project Management 