Military lingo
As discussed in my last blog post - one of the key words to cope and enjoy a military mission, is isolation - and a lot of the time it pretty much sums up the feeling of working in the Army too. Whilst the isolation-mindset can be a surviving factor during military training and missions, it can lead to a backlash too, especially during a communication process.
The military world, similar to many other industries, can be described as a bubble of its own, with little interest or influence from the outside world, the unknown, or new. And in all fairness, why even bother? The Army has no commercial competitors and therefore no need to adapt to trends in society, or the market, make more effective use of its resources, or communicating and defending any long-term aims for many of its activities. I’m sure there is a need for the above, but my point is: It’s like teaching an old dog to sit.
Females are still an extreme minority in high level military positions, as well as a minority in my Unit, despite numerous women being interviewed during the recruitment process. However, apart from several layers of inequality in the military - another proof of the Army’s isolated nature and its discomfort with change, is that people within the establishment are still using old-fashioned words, which can be described as an extremely dated way of conversing.
I have spent the past couple of months marvelling at the way people communicate, and to my astonishment my own colleagues are starting to pick up on the military lingo. People, including myself at times, have started incorporating a few select words - not only with military officers, but also in conversation with each other!
I am sure that anyone from the outside world would raise an eyebrow, if not two, in the Army office.
To get what I mean, see list of words below:
“Taget” – meaning: I accept and agree with you in the shortest way possible, and without asking any questions, since I would like to be perceived as highly efficient moron, eh - soldier.
“Gott” – meaning: Since I love the Army and identify as a Swedish Officer so much, I say this 100 year old word, instead of the modern “Good”. However, I keep repeating it because I constantly have to remind myself of who I am, as of way of not getting confused and insecure about my identity, so: Bla bla “gott” bla “gott" bla bla, "GOTT!”
“Frågor?” – meaning: Does anyone have any questions in regard to what I have just said? Within a millisecond is normally follow by: “Gott” and “Frammåt”, below:
“Frammåt!” – meaning "ahead" and for the person hearing it: OK, let’s implement the orders. We are now allowed to start our task, but first; let’s stomp our feet together loudly and then take one large step in forward direction, as to make a mark that we’re alert and now moving swiftly out of sight from the idiot who just spoke.
“Uppfattat” – meaning: OK, cool – I understand what you mean, but I am sharper than most since I can use a super short word for it. Plus, I won’t ask any questions, which means; brownie points for me!
“Tillägg” – meaning: Is there anyone who would like to add something to what I have already said now when I am completely done with my presentation?
OR: Attention my way! Since I have just listened to the presentation and been quiet for a long time – I will now add something important that the presenter obviously missed, or more like it - that I didn’t share with him/her ahead of the presentation - giving me the last word.
Regarding the general communication process, I'm sure it can be improved in many companies – as miscommunication can lead to rumours, confusion and at worst, stress for the employee. Also, any organisation interested in securing talent to drive the company forward and closer to its goals and visions, must focus on individual satisfaction.
Communication and company decisions therefore can’t be done in isolation, or starting from the top without taking into account both relevant internal and external information, along with some influences from the outside.
Apart from knowing the vision and goals of an organisation, you also need to know your individual responsibilities to do with your specific role, broken down on a day to day basis. Once you know what your area of delivery includes – long term and short; you need to stay motivated. This is where a manager or boss comes into the picture, a person that can provide goal, or sub-goal performance feedback in order for you to grow and improve in you role.
Motivation then, will always start at an individual level, and in the Army – at the bottom of the hierarchy!
