We use the same words. We mean different things.
The same words mean different things.
For example, in the hospital we talk of whether we are “fully staffed”, “overstaffed” or “understaffed.”
What could they mean when they say “fully staffed”?
- All of the scheduled shifts are assigned.
- Nobody has called in sick.
- We are on budget.
- I like to hear the sound of my own voice.
- We were never in over our heads.
- There is no wait.
- There was the correct number of patients to staff.
- I don’t know how to get more staff.
- There is a balance of patient sickness to staff ability.
- Our staffing is comparable to similar hospitals.
- I go home on time and have all of my breaks on time.
- That is one well-equipped wizard.
“Fully staffed” may mean all, none, or some of the above. It depends on your point of view. The specific meanings of your words depend on your life experience.
We speak in code. Our words translate our point of view. Our words are shortcut interpretations of our life experiences. “Fully staffed” is code.
Decipher the code in conversations to get to productive outcomes. Clarify the words and their specific meanings.
- In what way are we “fully staffed”?
- How specifically are we not “fully staffed?”
- When are we “fully staffed?”
- What does it mean to you to be “fully staffed?”
Then have a more cogent discussion.