The book of the month is…

“Why Business People Speak Like Idiots: A Bullfighter’s Guide” by Brian Fugere, Chelsea Hardaway, and Jon Warshawsky.

This book explains that much of the language used in the business world is jargon-filled, vague, and ultimately meaningless, hindering clear communication and effective action. The authors use the metaphor of bullfighting to illustrate their points, suggesting that just as a matador needs clear, precise movements and language to succeed in a dangerous arena, business professionals need clear, direct communication to navigate the complexities of their field.

Here are my key takeaways:

  • The Problem of “Bullshit Bingo”: The prevalence of buzzwords, clichés, and corporate jargon that often serve to obscure rather than clarify. Terms like “synergy,” “paradigm shift,” “thinking outside the box,” and countless others are often thrown around without real understanding or purpose, creating what the authors call “Bullshit Bingo.”
  • The Need for Clarity and Directness: Drawing parallels with the focused and deliberate language of a bullfighter, the authors emphasize the importance of clear, concise communication. They argue that business leaders should strive for simplicity and avoid ambiguity to ensure everyone understands the message and can act accordingly.
  • The Cost of Poor Communication: The book explores the real-world consequences of unclear language, including wasted time, confusion, misinterpretations, and ultimately, a negative impact on productivity and results.
  • Principles for Clear Communication: The authors offer practical advice and principles for business professionals to improve their communication. These often revolve around using plain language, being specific, focusing on action, and avoiding jargon. The bullfighting metaphor helps to make these principles more memorable and engaging. For example, just as a bullfighter uses precise terms to describe maneuvers, businesspeople should use precise language to define goals and strategies.
  • The “Bullfighter’s Guide” Aspect: The book uses the bullfighting analogy to frame communication challenges as high-stakes situations where clarity and precision are crucial for survival and success. This unique perspective makes the book more engaging and memorable than a typical business communication guide.

In essence, “Why Business People Speak Like Idiots: A Bullfighter’s Guide” is a call for business professionals to ditch the jargon and embrace clear, direct communication. It uses a compelling and unusual metaphor to illustrate the importance of saying what you mean in a way that everyone can understand, ultimately leading to more effective collaboration and better business outcomes.