“You” or “We”?

Photo by Alex Rosario on Unsplash

Do you say “you” or do you say “we”?

I’m asking specifically from the context of starting at a new job. That is, how long does it take for you to start using “we” when referencing your company and its activities?

I was thinking about your services…when you talk to your clients…what’s the thinking behind your products…

Versus:

I was thinking about our services…when you speak to our clients…what’s the thinking behind our products…

I appreciate there’s a period of acclimatization when starting a new gig - a time when we’re learning the ropes, getting to know the right stakeholders and, generally, getting comfortable with our new surroundings. But, at the same time, I do think there’s something deeper at play. 

Our language is a clear indicator of our mental commitment, that we’re ‘all in’ when it comes to this new role we’ve taken on. And that has to start from when we’ve accepted the offer and not simply once we’re comfortable in the organization. 

The longer we continue thinking of our company and our work as the “other”, the longer it will take for us to do our very best work. Because until we do, we’re not fully bought in, not ready to expose ourselves (so to speak) in the pursuit of excellence. That is on us.

And, as a leader, it’s also an indicator of the employee’s assimilation into the organization. Do they see themselves as part of the team, or do they simply consider themselves a hired hand? How long before he or she is truly one of us?

To do great work, we need commitment, and that commitment comes from us and the people we hire. 

Our collective language is one indicator that we’re moving in the right direction.