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Some Spelling Errors Are Worse Than Others
Aug 10
Spelling errors in HR communications can feel like a tragedy. But that can be redone. What if you got a tattoo with a misspelling?
This guy got a tattoo that was supposed to say Chi-town. (I’m a native Chicagoan, and that’s what we always called it — like “shy town”.) But the tattoo artist transposed two letters, so he got a tattoo on his neck that says Chi-tonw. Brutal.
So what’s a bad tattoo have to do with HR communication? It’s a matter of perspective. Sometimes people think that every single word gets read and re-read, like the latest Harry Potter novel. But that’s not how it is at all. When you communicate with employees, it’s often a one time event. It’s the essence of the communication that matters, not the individual words. It’s the totality, not the little things.
I’m not saying that spelling mistakes are right or advocating for People for the Ethical Treatment of Flubs. Get it right. But there’s a big difference between right and satisfying every single person. After all, everyone with a pen thinks he’s a communicator. Hopefully they’ll stay away from the tattoo ink.
About the Author
Frank Roche
Frank started IFRACTAL over 7 years ago with Sarah Chambers. Together, they've created HR communications and HR software for some of the world's leading companies. Frank is also studying Flamenco guitar and origami.
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I really appreciate your comment, “It’s the essence of the communication that matters, not the individual words.” That’s been my experience as well. And essence isn’t as much about perfectly chosen individual words as the total message and the tone it conveys. When I’m working with folks who want to improve communication at work, we talk much about the intention behind the message, the desired tone, and the frame of mind with which they’re approaching the communication. Generally speaking, at least in my world of work, the words take care of themselves when those three things are attended to well.
Thanks, too, for the morning chuckle at that tattoo. My “Man from the Midwest” husband (Galesburg, IL) got quite the laugh.
Hi Tammy,
There is something that drives me nuts about the focus of the communication amateurs’ focus on little words while losing track of the what you said: the intent and frame of mind. You’re so right, when you take care of the broad elements it takes care of itself.
Funny picture, huh? Yep, that is a Midwestern thing, so it resonates with us. I don’t know why this whole idea cracks me up so much. I guess it’s the idea of saying “Chi-town” as “shy-town” all that time and never once hearing letters transposed. I live in Philadelphia now, and I *do* hear non-natives every once in a while call it “Phil-a-del-thee-a.”