When was the last time you heard the phrase, “weasel words”?  This phrase refers to words that appear to say something specific or substantive when in fact those words all but negate the claims being made.

Where they live.

Advertising is a favorite habitat for weasel words.  “Our toothpaste helps fight cavities,” an ad may say. If those buying toothpaste understand that these words don’t mean “stopping” or “preventing” cavities, they may choose to save money on the brand and brush more.

Weasel words are also quite at home in politics. The phrase was a favorite of Theodore Roosevelt.   Its first public usage can be traced back to a short story by Stewart Chaplain, published in 1900. Chaplain described “words that suck the life out of the words next to them, just as a weasel sucks the egg and leaves the shell.”  Thus, weasel words make hollow a seemingly valid statement’s meaning. They may also soften an emotionally loaded idea or suggest meaning beyond what was intended.

Recognizing bias.

Weasel words are one of many ways that bias may creep into any kind of discourse, personal or professional, and therefore into the workplace.  Phrases like “experts say” and “research shows” add content without adding information, and may precede or attempt to hide a biased view.  These are among the more obvious types of weasel words.

In the flood of information and opinion that characterizes our culture today, it’s more important than ever to question. Question claims, seek sources, challenge assumptions.  Question how problems are defined and especially how you think about them.  Bring diverse voices and different viewpoints to the table.

Innovation occurs at the intersection of different ideas – but only if there is an effective way to bring those ideas together. Recognizing, then challenging, bias in all its forms enables communication and collaboration across differences.  This creates the space for new, true wisdom.  And from that wisdom can come new thought processes, strategies and solutions to build your enterprise.

“The truth doesn’t set you free. Truthfulness does.”  – Ken Wilbur