Leading Through Language

6 OBFUSCATION JARGON

If you know what obfuscation means, I commend you. If you don't, you would be well within your rights to ask why a book about the language of leadership would contain a chapter titled with a rarely used word that essentially means to conceal. Specifically, Merriam-Webster's definition of the verb obfuscate is:

• 1. To make obscure <obfuscate the issue>;
• 2. To be evasive, unclear, or confusing.

The reason obfuscation is included in the title of the chapter is that far too often jargon is used by speakers for the purpose of obscuring or concealing realities from audiences. Far too often such jargon is purposefully used to confuse, bewilder, and stupefy audiences in order to prevent the reactions they would have if they understood the meaning of the terms being used.

OBFUSCATION ON THE JARGON SPECTRUM

Language that is meant to intentionally baffle or conceal sits squarely on the far right (negative) side of the Jargon Spectrum (see Figure 6.1). Such language is not reflective of leadership because it creates barriers between speakers and their listeners.

Figure 6.1 The Jargon Spectrum.

Sometimes obfuscation is used unconsciously, and other times intentionally. Regardless of the reason for its use, it should be avoided at all costs. The bottom line: leaders should not hide behind jargon. Here's what Steve Reid, board member at Silver Standard and Eldorado ...