write a local lexicon

A favorite recent read has been Consolations I and II by David Whyte. Both volumes are lexicons - he defines everyday words using his own philosophy and poetry. Each chapter is a short essay on that meaning and implications of the titular word.

Often organizations that are serious about their culture and their onboarding will write something like this for their core values. But it usually stops there. 

Whyte has reminded me that it’s useful to do this beyond a handful of core concepts. What do we really mean around here when we say, for example, “promotion” or “feedback” or “manager” or “crisis”? What story do we want our people telling themselves when they encounter these concepts?

You might be surprised by the staying power of a document like this, if you write it with care and keep it concise. You might be even more surprised by how your individual voice, perspective, and idiosyncrasies increase the value of such a lexicon. (No one likes corporate boilerplate.)

-eric