Catchphrases in How to safely think in systems
Heating or eating, Brexit means Brexit, it’s a well known tactic for politicians too. Catchy names are very powerful and easy to remember even if the original underlying proposal gets miscontrued of manipulated.
The second most impactful book I’ve read is George Lakoff’s Don’t Think of an Elephant which lays out his theory of communication. Lakoff explores a fundamental organizational challenge: as you grow, it becomes increasingly difficult to communicate when you’re not in the room where a discussion happens. I once worked with a staff engineer who described their most significant contribution as giving initiatives catchy names and slogans to propel ideas further than any supporting data might.
Published 26 April 2022, with 111 words.