What the hell is an outcome?

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I am a humungous fan of Don Watson’s Dictionary of Weasel Words contemporary clichés, cant and management jargon. But I’m embarrassed to say, coming from an HR background, that I am guilty of this speak myself. My theory is that this language has evolved because many of us “buy in” (weasel word x 1) to the notion that a person’s performance can be “measurable”, and therefore manageable, (weasel word x 2). But because we can’t actually measure much of what we do, we slip into terms like “outcomes” (weasel word x 3).

I like using the word “outcome” when I’m not really sure what to say. I can sound like I’ve achieved something, but I can be vague about what.

Outcomes can include how well people meet their performance, learning, health or quality “objectives” (weasel word x 4). There are “performance outcomes,” “learning outcomes,”  “health outcomes” or “quality outcomes.”

Dipping into Watson’s Dictionary is like reading many of the job descriptions and advertisements that land on my desk. The language is impenetrable. Weasel words and phrases can make the most simple job sound sexy, if weasel is your thing.

Here’s a recent example:

“Respond and action stakeholder requests using multi-channel resources, to ensure timely and accurate service delivery to maintain compliance and achieve quality outcomes.”

This role is a customer service type role, I think. The clue is the word “stakeholder.” But this job could belong to a senior Customer Service Manager, who wants their team to email, tweet, visit, or call customers (The methods are the “multi-channel resources”). Or this job could also belong to a Call Centre Operator type, someone actually on the telephone, providing advice to customers.

Who would know?

Here’s one of Watson’s weasel word definitions you may not find on any job description:

Negative patient outcome:- “Bed sores, amputation, golden staph, etc. – death even”

(Sorry about the visual, I just needed to make a point.)

K B

Karalyn is the Founder of InterviewIQ and chief champion for all her clients. Get personal coaching to make 2023 your most successful year yet. Check out our job search booster services here>>Give me smarter ways to find a job .

Tagged as: HR speak, translating advertisements