Do Not Create an Organization That Validates Atmosphere
I often say, "Let's avoid using abstract behavioral terms."
Abstract behavioral terms refer to words related to actions that are difficult to visualize concretely, such as concepts, relationships, or states. They are a collective term for conceptual words regarding the purpose, intent, or mentality of an action, rather than the action itself.
"We will proceed with improvements."
"We will increase efficiency."
"We will manage it thoroughly."
"We will build good relationships."
"We will prioritize teamwork."
"We will improve motivation."
These are all "abstract behavioral terms."
What is wrong with abstract behavioral terms...?
It is that, quite literally, the action itself—for you or your subordinates—becomes ambiguous. Yet, by using a definitive tone like "We will do this!," one can create an atmosphere of having expressed intent or committed to results.
For example, if you are going to proceed with improvements...
1. Quantifying the gap between the ideal and reality
2. What method will be used to address that discrepancy
3. How much time will be spent to bridge it
4. Calculating the personnel and costs required for that
5. Formulating a Gantt chart or similar
6. Methods for budget-versus-actual management (how to acquire data)
If "We will proceed with improvements" is said with these concepts in mind (even if they are rough), then there is no problem.
However, abstract behavioral terms that pop up in meetings are often nothing more than stopgap excuses.
An organization where abstract behavioral terms are smoothly uttered every time in meetings. An organization where the speaker has no malicious intent, and those around them accept those statements as valid. If your company is like that, I believe it will not last long (or at the very least, it will not grow).
If you are the head of an organization, you must not let the organization you are responsible for become one that validates (or where no one notices) an atmosphere of just "looking like something is being done."