#197 naming

Our university works with a grant-writing consulting firm. A group of their employees known as "The Red Team" provides a review of our proposals before submission.  Think about the alignment of expectations and reality that is achieved through that name.  The Red Team = red marks on the draft.  You expect them to make marks, instead of being disheartened by it.  You know it is their job to make corrections, instead of feeling that it is personal.  The simple naming of this process goes far in setting the clients up for what happens in reality.

Think about unpopular processes that your organization must conduct.  Is there a way to increase the esprit de corps of the people performing them by giving them a name that gives license and credibility to their task?  Can you help align the perspective of those receiving the service to know what lies ahead?

Words and names are powerful tools.  Use them to your advantage.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com