Words Contain Cultures

Certain languages and cultures have words that are hard, or even impossible to translate, as a whole lot of stories and mythology have gone into the particular meaning of the word.

Translating these words does away with the true meaning and intent of the original word.

The number of rules in an organization is inversely proportional to its cultural strength. Weak cultures rely on extensive rules because they lack shared values and trust.

Strong cultures, by contrast:

• Establish clear values that guide decisions
• Hire peop...

• Avoid at all costs the cliches of the thousands of writers who have gone before you.
• When you’re choosing words and stringing them together, be aware of how they sound.
• Use words you enjoy and that are vivid.