Count the Cost of Using Coarse Language in Construction

Coarse language has seemingly been part of construction for as long as construction has been...well…construction. You know what I’m talking about. Words, especially those “four letter words,” that seem to be as naturally a part of constructing a project as the physical tools and equipment actually used.

Sadly, for many visitors and observers of construction projects, it is as if there has been created an entirely new language, appearing to have little consequences for those who use foul language. In one recent project meeting I attended, I purposely counted the number of times the “F” word was used. In almost 75 minutes, I quit counting at 125. (I think the “F-Bomb” has become America’s most chosen adjective, noun, verb, adverb, etc.)

What was most interesting about this experience was the abundance of “F-Bombs” coming, not from uneducated workers but rather, college degreed field leaders. One might assume the more educated person would have had enough English, Speech, Presentation, and Facilitation training to have expanded their vocabulary, using words and phrases with real and clear definitions.

But what are the costs of using coarse language if it is so often used? Let me share a few costs that I hope will persuade you to reconsider the use of any coarse language, limiting the use and in many situations, eliminating their use altogether.

Costs of coarse language

• At the most extreme, using coarse language can ignite negative and sometimes hateful discussion. Grudges are made easier to develop and maintain.
• At the least, coarse language leaves question marks about the real meaning or intent of the speaker.
• If used by a leader, coarse language seems to demean the image and respect once given to leaders.
• Using coarse language, if not apologized for later, can push very negative feelings “under the carpet,” festering and perhaps pre-mediating some negative response.
• Coarse language, especially spoken by a leader, displays total failure and surrender of addressing a problem. It camouflages either, “I can’t do this!” or, “I don’t have the patience or creativity to deal with this.”
• Coarse language never leaves the customer thinking very positive about the company represented by the speaker of foul words.
• Coarse language most often leads hearers to shut out the speaker…thus the message is never really internalized, understood or acknowledged.
• Using the “F-Bomb” 20 times in a moment of frustration doesn’t move any crew closer to improving their formwork, sealcoating a parking lot any better, or installing a window any faster. Fact is, it more often tempts workers to slow things down a little bit more as a form of recourse, a la “I’ll show him.”
• The use of coarse language more often slows down the work and tends to make workers more nervous about what work they are doing for fear of being yelled at or called every “X-Rated” name in the book.
• Coarse language can appear to be funny at first but usually leads to impatience by the hearers who soon grow weary of hearing the same old words used over and over.
• The users of coarse language are often covering up for their own weaknesses, insecurities,or just flat out lack of creative ideas to inspire, motivate and encourage.
• On a personal level between leaders and their workers, coarse language, if directed at individuals, can cause irreparable damage. This can lead to workers quitting rather than staying and continue to take berating.
• Coarse language is also a sign of disrespect for others. It simply means I can talk this way and I don’t care whether you like it or not. (Isn’t this a close “cousin” to what we sometimes have considered to be the attitude of a “punk, thug or selfish” person?)
• Coarse language users seem to draw more negative interactions from others rather than positive and proactive discussions.
• Finally, I think a major cost of using coarse language is that it tends to cheapen the fun and experience of this great industry we call construction.

Look, I’m not pushing for “zero tolerance” when it comes to using an occasional expletive nor am I pushing for construction leaders to seek to be the moral authority of character. But come on construction peers, can we at least agree our industry has enough challenges without us turning the discussions in our meetings and on project sites into exchanges more commonly found within the walls of a prison for the most hardened of criminals? We're better than this, aren’t we?

My challenge for every construction leader is to:

1. Reconsider how you address others who have upset you.
2. Realize the importance of every worker in your organization; in most cases, they are doing their best. This demands at least your respect.
3. If you feel a “F-Bomb” mounting just walk away, kick a rock, cool down, then try again to address a tough issue or difficult worker.
4. If you do cut loose with a string of “humdingers,” be quick to return to your “victims” and apologize.

I am fully aware of our current culture seemingly acceptance of “anything goes.” But “anything goes” doesn't mean that it’s healthy, not to mention profit making for contractors.

It takes a lot to be a great construction leader. If using dirty language has been part of your past, would you reconsider cleaning up your words a little for your future? You may just be returning your employees, and your company, back to focusing on the right things again…and feeling more important as well!

Here’s to taking the right course in eliminating coarse language!