Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.
Product reviews for Clean Language
Neil Archibald, HR Network Scotland magazine
Well that is going to put a stop to the odd curse uttered in the course of a day's work. This thought went through my mind when I first saw the title of the latest book to cross my desk for review but on closer inspection I was reassured to note that its content is essentially about questioning techniques used historically in psychotherapy and coaching scenarios.
The two authors attempt to break down the concept of clean language' in order- for the practice to he used within the workplace that, according to one person converted to its use, finds it an -˜amazingly powerful toot [that) could transform the way we interact'.
This revelation made me a touch suspicious about the effects of what clean language can do for a person or organisation so I set about reading the book with a touch of cynicism.
In the early stages this feeling was easily put aside due to the fairly routine and somewhat innocuous description given to the concept of clean language which. in basic terms, is about offering comments or interpretations of a situation devoid of any personal inferences or influences.
Confused ... well so was I to start with to be honest as it is not the easiest subject to get your head around but by pushing on further into the book, things started to make more sense.
The link to the workplace and how clean language can be applied is really linked to the times [and we have all been there, deny it not!) when something has been said or done that has completely the opposite effect of what was intended.
A look, a sigh, raised eyes or a throwaway comment made, sometimes in the heat of the moment, Leads down a path from which there seems no reversal but by opting for the clean language route, these types of situations can be avoided, as per the theory expounded by Sullivan and Rees.
The duo attempt. a little clumsily at times in my opinion, to rationalise the use of clean language in all dealings by [inking it to the continua[ use of metaphors that people routinely use when communicating, This critical part of the clean language equation is Linked to the individual's own perceptions about what they are trying to say and how they are conveying a particular message whether it be in verbal or written form and also taking into account people's behaviours.
These points are what needs to tackled in order for clean language to become the norm and as a result of some clever writing, the authors succeed in breaking the subject right down to grass roots level by, for instance, outlining the times when and when not to use clean language.
Despite the book having a new age feel to it in places, the basics are there as to how to ensure the way that we communicate is as we mean it to be. One part of the book focuses or) how to have a -˜clean conversation structure' that, although a little utopian in nature, actually does make it easier to conduct such a dialogue so long as those involved are prepared to go through a series of mental dos and don'ts until the process becomes second nature.
The book abounds with activities to grasp what clear language means in practice including example transcripts of conversations, listening skills exercises, understanding how conversations work and the all important awareness of clean language's arch enemy - making assumptions.
Given that the tome's focus is on clarity of message, its focus is sometimes compromised by what I would term babble (how else could a chapter entitled -˜Attending Exquisitely' be described when it is simply about the art of concentration?]. This does not eclipse the fact though that the book does help open doors to a new way of thinking about how people's actions and what they say can be interpreted.
Written about a subject that first reared its head nearly thirty years ago, the book is definitely not for the faint hearted as the subject matter is heavy but there is an extremely strong underlying message that, if used in the right context, clean language car) be a powerful too.
The one warning I would sound though is that the too[ must be used carefully because in the wrong hands, to quote the label on the side of a dangerous implement, damage could ensue it not handled in the right manner!
The two authors attempt to break down the concept of clean language' in order- for the practice to he used within the workplace that, according to one person converted to its use, finds it an -˜amazingly powerful toot [that) could transform the way we interact'.
This revelation made me a touch suspicious about the effects of what clean language can do for a person or organisation so I set about reading the book with a touch of cynicism.
In the early stages this feeling was easily put aside due to the fairly routine and somewhat innocuous description given to the concept of clean language which. in basic terms, is about offering comments or interpretations of a situation devoid of any personal inferences or influences.
Confused ... well so was I to start with to be honest as it is not the easiest subject to get your head around but by pushing on further into the book, things started to make more sense.
The link to the workplace and how clean language can be applied is really linked to the times [and we have all been there, deny it not!) when something has been said or done that has completely the opposite effect of what was intended.
A look, a sigh, raised eyes or a throwaway comment made, sometimes in the heat of the moment, Leads down a path from which there seems no reversal but by opting for the clean language route, these types of situations can be avoided, as per the theory expounded by Sullivan and Rees.
The duo attempt. a little clumsily at times in my opinion, to rationalise the use of clean language in all dealings by [inking it to the continua[ use of metaphors that people routinely use when communicating, This critical part of the clean language equation is Linked to the individual's own perceptions about what they are trying to say and how they are conveying a particular message whether it be in verbal or written form and also taking into account people's behaviours.
These points are what needs to tackled in order for clean language to become the norm and as a result of some clever writing, the authors succeed in breaking the subject right down to grass roots level by, for instance, outlining the times when and when not to use clean language.
Despite the book having a new age feel to it in places, the basics are there as to how to ensure the way that we communicate is as we mean it to be. One part of the book focuses or) how to have a -˜clean conversation structure' that, although a little utopian in nature, actually does make it easier to conduct such a dialogue so long as those involved are prepared to go through a series of mental dos and don'ts until the process becomes second nature.
The book abounds with activities to grasp what clear language means in practice including example transcripts of conversations, listening skills exercises, understanding how conversations work and the all important awareness of clean language's arch enemy - making assumptions.
Given that the tome's focus is on clarity of message, its focus is sometimes compromised by what I would term babble (how else could a chapter entitled -˜Attending Exquisitely' be described when it is simply about the art of concentration?]. This does not eclipse the fact though that the book does help open doors to a new way of thinking about how people's actions and what they say can be interpreted.
Written about a subject that first reared its head nearly thirty years ago, the book is definitely not for the faint hearted as the subject matter is heavy but there is an extremely strong underlying message that, if used in the right context, clean language car) be a powerful too.
The one warning I would sound though is that the too[ must be used carefully because in the wrong hands, to quote the label on the side of a dangerous implement, damage could ensue it not handled in the right manner!
Guest
|
02/03/2009 00:00
Was this review helpful?
(0/0)