What do Scottish kilts, machine gun ammunition, cement mixers, graves, and Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding dress all have in common? They are all purported to be tied to the origins of the expression “the whole nine yards.” I have heard and read emphatic declarations that the real origin is . . . you fill in the blank. According to the New York Times, which ran a story on this topic on December 26, there is no clear answer. (I guess it was a slow news day.) They went on to quote language expert Ben Zimmer, “The phrase is interesting because it’s so mysterious.” Whatever its origin, most people who are fluent in English know what it means. Since its meaning is clear and its origin is so muddled, it is probably a safe.
Countless expressions like it pepper our language. Communications consultants often advise leaders to use words that capture people’s attention. Many expressions do that, but some can be problematic. Many are unequivocal like “the whole nine yards.” When someone says, “a drop in the bucket,” there is little doubt what they mean. The same is true with “honest as the day is long.” It is hard to confuse what these expressions mean. Even if you aren’t a native English speaker you can pretty much figure out what someone means when they use them. Even if you had to translate the expression word by word, the meaning is clear and precise.
I love colorful language, so I tolerate the confusion that some idioms generate. Certainly, the “nine yards” portion of “the whole nine yards” may be confusing, but putting “whole” at the front reduces that confusion. However, numerous expressions are used in ways that are offensive, incorrect, or even contrary to their origin. If you have any doubt about an expreswsion – especially if it may be offensive – either research it or don’t use it. Avoid any expression rooted in stereotypes (e.g., “off the reservation”). I’m not saying adopt a politically correct vocabulary which eliminates words like niggardly (which is derived from Norse and has nothing to do with race). Simply stop using any of the myriad expressions that are rooted in bigotry or hatred and truly are offensive.
Now to the misused expressions. “Table stakes” is one such expression that has entered our lexicon recently. With the emergence of poker as a televised “sport,” people started adopting it, but they often confuse it with “price of entry.” They will say something like, “Being smart and hard working are just “table stakes” at our company. If you want to get ahead you need something more.” Those familiar with poker know that table stakes is just the opposite. It means everything you have. All you can stake (i.e. bet) is what’s on the table. So what does this example really mean. Most people understand that it is saying one needs more than smarts and hard work to get ahead, but it is confusing. So use it correctly or find another way to say it.
What about this gem? “To get one’s marching orders.” For years, I took it to mean to get guidance or direction. Most Americans who use it believe it to mean just that; however, it has a much more ominous meaning. According to The Wordsworth Dictionary of Idioms, “to get one’s marching orders” means “to be dismissed (from a job, etc.).” I learned this distinction in 2000 when working with a British colleague. We were working on a particularly unpleasant assignment, and my boss was very frustrated with his perceived lack of progress. My boss and I met one evening to clarify his expectations. The meeting went exceptionally well, so I shot a quick email to my British colleague saying, “Call me in the morning. We’ve got our marching orders.” That was not the email he wanted to read, nor was it the message I wanted to send. He spent that night worried about what was going to happen to him: were we fired, or was the project simply cancelled? My ignorance and misuse of a simple expression caused him significant angst. Fortunately, we were able to clear things up in the morning before he could do anything rash.
Last fall, I wrote several blog posts on the importance of using words well. As leaders, what we say has meaning, and how we say things matters. Don’t be afraid of figures of speech, idioms or euphemism. Embrace them and use them well. Just make sure you understand their meaning and their cultural implications. If you have any doubt about an expression, research it or don’t use it. This is particularly important when your audience is large or when the communications vehicle is asynchronous. If you are the CEO of an international company sending an email to your entire company, BEWARE!!! Your choice of words can have dire unintended consequences. On the other hand, if you are having a private conversation with a close friend, use whatever words you want. The worse that can happen is you come off looking like an idiot, and a good friend will let you know.
I've invited Doug to speak several times at our university and will continued to enjoy doing so. Both students and faculty members love Doug's humility, his comfortable and highly interactive manner, and willingness to share both painful and successful experiences. He comes across as wise yet without a trace of arrogance. I think students almost instantly view him as the type of person they'd like to have as a mentor. I’m confident that those who apply the wisdom he shares will be introduced to new and practical ways of improving their leadership.
I've invited Doug to speak several times at our university and will continued to enjoy doing so. Both students and faculty members love Doug's humility, his comfortable and highly interactive manner, and willingness to share both painful and successful experiences. He comes across as wise yet without a trace of arrogance. I think students almost instantly view him as the type of person they'd like to have as a mentor. I’m confident that those who apply the wisdom he shares will be introduced to new and practical ways of improving their leadership.
Bringing years of personal experience in leadership in Fortune 500 companies, Doug's presentation is based on his Book "If You Will Lead." Doug's program was much more than a “motivational” sales seminar. It was an inspirational and energizing session that provided us with the tools and insights to lead more powerfully and sell more effectively.
Doug Moran’s opening keynote address to our annual conference set the tone for the entire event. It was my hope that we would have a speaker who would inspire and encourage our attendees to think and act more boldly about the topic of sustainable mobility, and Doug delivered exactly what we needed. Most importantly, he provided us with concrete leadership advice that we can use to drive positive change. His provocative and challenging words were repeated by many of our other presenters who integrated his leadership messages into their speeches and discussions.
Doug Moran looks at the practice of leadership from a unique perspective - through the lens of a literary classic. It’s a fascinating way for today’s managers to think about their own leadership brand.
Although the problems we confront have changed, the fundamentals of leadership remain the same. Recognizing this enduring truth, Doug Moran has created a book that draws leadership lessons from some of history’s greatest figures. If You Will Lead surely will help readers become better leaders.
Few people are born leaders. The rest of us need a guide to help us gain both the courage and competency to lead well. Doug Moran’s book provides a perfect blend of a thoughtful leadership framework and anecdotes from some of history’s greatest leaders to help make his points come to life. If You Will Lead is a great companion for any aspiring executive.
I was particularly impressed with the section of the book about Jim Mulligan and the role of leading with stamina. It is an outstanding representation of one of the toughest men to endure the Hanoi Hilton. His leadership kept us young guys going. This book captures the importance of leadership stamina.
In IF YOU WILL LEAD, Doug Moran provides keen insights on leadership while drawing lessons from some of history’s great leaders. Moran has taken a complex and challenging subject and created lessons and a framework that can help leaders realize and leverage their strengths.
As I was reading If You Will Lead, I was reminded of Santayana’s famous quote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This book offers the opportunity to learn from some of history’s greatest leaders, so we can replicate their success. Moran's masterful framework translates these historical lessons into a concrete and practical guide for today's leaders.
Doug Moran’s humane and insightful study reminds us of some of the timeless qualities great leaders need. And even if leaders sometimes have to “govern in prose”, drawing inspiration from poetry is a fine idea.
Doug Moran did a great job of tying essential leadership attributes to great, recognizable leaders. The attributes chosen are essential traits of good leadership and very well organized.
This is an engaging primer for anyone committed to becoming a leader at work or in life. Using compelling examples, Doug Moran has provided a valuable series of leadership lessons that are relevant and useful to all of us. This book will make a difference to you and to all who look to you for leadership.
Doug Moran’s book will motivate leaders at all level to strengthen key leadership traits of character, authenticity, integrity and self-efficacy. You will learn tangible leadership techniques and walk along side some of history’s best known figures from Lincoln to Mandela, making this a truly inspirational book.
I highly add my name of recommendation to the book by Doug Moran entitled If You Will Lead. "One of the great needs in our country and in our world is the need for capable and inspiring leadership. There is, in my judgment, an absence of good leadership as we hear each day of the incessant wrangling among elected officials. We certainly need some new leaders to come forward. This book gives the reader a sense of the qualities of leadership which are so needed today. Leadership is an innate quality. It certainly can be acquired, as long as we have examples which this book gives to emulate." "In my judgment this book is most worthwhile and sorely needed in our world today.
This is an engaging primer for anyone committed to becoming a leader at work or in life. Using compelling examples, Doug Moran has provided a valuable series of leadership lessons that are relevant and useful to all of us. This book will make a difference to you and to all who look to you for leadership.
I was introduced to “IF” at a young age by my mom, and it is a poem that I keep in my mind at all times as I try to do my job to the very best of my ability here at Butler. Many of the positive lessons in the poem have been very applicable for me. It’s a terrific poem to study for those that aspire to be in a position of leadership.
“If You will Lead” brings real insight into the qualities needed for successful leadership. This book is exceptionally well written and provides a true guideline into all aspects that challenge true leadership. Inspiring balanced and well thought out it is a major contribution for those who would lead in our fast changing society.
At a time when leadership in the world is at such a low ebb – “If You Will Lead” will make a tremendous contribution to the upcoming generation!
After 26 years on Wall Street, the last 20 of them leading people, I am more aware than ever of the need to level-set your actions and philosophies and always be adjusting to the fast-paced world we live in where change is the only constant. Doug Moran has proven himself to be a forward-thinking leader and insightful assessor of practical practices in an increasingly complex and competitive business environment, having demonstrated a track record of creative and strategic thinking along with successful tactical execution in both the public and private sectors across multiple leadership roles. As one fights off the temptation to become jaded and dismissive of those offering the latest recipe for leadership success, Doug has proven to be one of the few people whose opinions I seek out proactively, knowing that I can count on candid feedback, spirited debate and a collaborative partner when dealing with issues important to me both personally and professionally. If You Will Lead is an important addition to any leader’s short list of practical business reading and will make an immediate positive impact on how one ties effective leadership principles to the future success of their organization.
Doug's book on leadership is a standout. Based on Kipling's poem, "If," the book is thoughtful and comprehensive, pragmatic and inspiring, and grounded in self awareness, which is the fundamental requirement for leadership excellence. This book, with its well-drawn examples of leadership attributes, is in itself a courageous act of leadership. Serious leaders interested in transformation for themselves or their organizations ought to savor it, journal with it, and refer to it often as a way to calibrate, contribute, and create results that matter.