I don’t have answer, but I know it can also be industry specific. I have a friend who is an R.N. I referred to people who used to report to me as their manager as my “direct reports”. She was so horrified by this term and I was utterly confused by her horror! I’ll be curious where this journey of language leads.
Hi Sally - I love this query...and this beautiful insight that our language is a supporter of our mental constructs and that we need to find new language if we want to birth different mental models. My sense is that when we attach a "noun" to a being we are cutting off our access to their whole person because the noun is just one small aspect of them.
I often use "leader" or "team member" or "collaborator"... none of these words feel sufficient.
Thank you Faith. Direct reports is accurate and helpful within an org but using it outside can sound a bit impersonal. Part of this conundrum. I want to continue thinking about this so really appreciate the comments.
I don’t have answer, but I know it can also be industry specific. I have a friend who is an R.N. I referred to people who used to report to me as their manager as my “direct reports”. She was so horrified by this term and I was utterly confused by her horror! I’ll be curious where this journey of language leads.
Hi Sally - I love this query...and this beautiful insight that our language is a supporter of our mental constructs and that we need to find new language if we want to birth different mental models. My sense is that when we attach a "noun" to a being we are cutting off our access to their whole person because the noun is just one small aspect of them.
I often use "leader" or "team member" or "collaborator"... none of these words feel sufficient.
Thank you Faith. Direct reports is accurate and helpful within an org but using it outside can sound a bit impersonal. Part of this conundrum. I want to continue thinking about this so really appreciate the comments.
Thank you Henna, good to see your name here. I use the same terms, also contributor. But it still doesn't always feel accurate.