Noel’s overused sports metaphors test Lee

Below is a fictional scenario based on real-life events.

Lee sheepishly turned on Zoom for the weekly sales team call. Noel, Lee’s boss, had an energetic start to the conversation.

“Ok, team. We need a World Series-winning performance from everyone this week. No strikeouts.”

A pointless 60 minutes of virtual high-fiving, round-robin status updates, and cheesy jokes followed.

Lee found it a waste of time.

But then they thought, “This was professional life.”

Besides, Noel thought Lee had real talent.

As a high-ranking sales VP at ACME, Noel loved sports metaphors. I mean, LOVED them.

• “That’s a home run.”

• “Hey man, we need a touchdown from you this week.”

• “We need to put the client in the penalty box for a few minutes.”

• “Hey, team, it’s 4th and long, but I know we can make our goals for this quarter.”

Every email. Every meeting. Like clockwork.

But Lee wasn’t comfortable with all the sports analogies. They aren’t a sports fan. And neither were a few of Lee’s colleagues, who shared their thoughts over happy hour drinks later that week.

“Has anyone brought this up to Noel yet?” they asked. When everyone shook their head no, Lee thought they’d take an opportunity to share feedback.

What’s the worst that can happen?

The following week, Lee had a 1:1 with Noel.

“Hey Noel, I noticed we use a lot of sports metaphors. I want to feel a part of the team, but it takes me a while to translate what you’re saying. Can we please reduce some of the metaphors?”

What’s one thing Noel can do to be more inclusive?

This might seem inconsequential, but clear and concise language – even something as nonthreatening as sports metaphors - is essential.

Growing up, I had grandparents who barely spoke English. Their daughter-in-law, my mother, did an incredible job coaching me to speak simple English.

Slowly.

No big words.

And I take pride in doing what I can to carry on that approach today.

Minimal jargon. Inclusive language.

When talking about work experience, words matter.

Ask yourself whether it’s jargon or metaphors: “Does everyone understand what I’m saying without needing to read a dictionary, visit Wikipedia, or watch a YouTube video?”

Whether you’re a new professional or a seasoned veteran ready to retire, I urge you to audit your language.

Start with your written language. Linked here is a great tool for determining whether your language includes a lot of jargon.

And now for your MollyMoh update! I think we call this Very DeMolly Very Mindful.