11.12.25: 'Ben Thinking' -- Judging your jargon
Your jargon is buzzy. We all see it.
One of my best friends is a unique dude. I’ve known him since I was in 5th grade and there aren’t many like him. That’s actually a fact. Specifically, there are only 2,599 people like him in the world.
He’s a Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force and as of this writing there are only 2,600 of them. They’re so unique that by law, they can’t make up more than 1.25% of the enlisted force.
I think he’s unique because at a pretty early age he decided to enlist, go to Alaska and start his career in the Air Force. And look at my guy now. A Chief!
As proud as I am – and as he is – of all that he’s accomplished, he will tell you it doesn’t matter. What matters is he chose, to take the oath and put on the uniform.
I’d say THAT makes him, and so many others, unique. And deserving of our thanks on Veteran’s Day.
Anyways, on to what I’ve Ben thinking about:
-->Jargon is hurting your strategy. (HBR)
Focused on the best practices that will put you at the cutting edge of growth and excellence? Striving for continuous improvement and a pursuit of innovation? Yeah you are.
We can’t escape these words. We just can’t. And now, with so many using AI to prompt and paste, we’re seeing even more of this. But as the author creatively states, these words “become more fog than fuel”, hurting your strategic plan.
Read the article to find out how to overcome these jargon traps.
-->PRNewswire: 2026 State of the Press Release Report
You can download the report…OR…you can enjoy the takeaway below courtesy of Katherine Kostiuk, our media relations specialist:
- AI is transforming press release strategy:
- The report highlights a major shift from traditional SEO towards GEO/AEO due to the rise of AI search tools.
- The press release remains critical - it serves as a trusted data platform for AI and enhances brand visibility in search.
- Releases are evolving not declining:
- Across different regions, comms pros plan to maintain or increase press release volume (93% in North America)
- Releases continue to drive value - 57% of respondents say it raises visibility, 39% say it reinforces brand authority, and 35% cite SEO/AEO/GEO benefits
- Far from something we just share out to pubs because it's what we've always done, this report says releases are "cementing its status as an authoritative, reliable piece of content" in this AI era
- Multimedia is now the new NORM
- Social media is the top amplification channel globally, but regional differences are emerging (i.e. North America is focusing more on blog and social repurposing)
- We must be sharing multimedia assets with press releases (images, videos, logos) - it's increasingly vital both for engagement and AI tools that interpret visuals alongside text
- Interesting nugget: the report encourages brands to see releases as multi-channel content hubs, not one-off announcements.
-->Man. Seems like public relations/press releases will really impact search in 2026…
Yep, they sure will. And here are 4 things you can do about it right away.
(Want more than four? Let’s talk.)
-->Low energy? Take matters into your own hands with these 10 vitality tips. (Leadership Freak)
Number 6 on the list, and my favorite: Focus on who you are becoming, not who you used to be.
Nothing drains you more than trying to keep things the way they used to be. I couldn’t agree with that more. (And it inspired this LinkedIn post.)
-->The cost of keeping quiet. (Greg McKeown)
I love how simple Greg makes things. Especially with tricky subjects – like speaking up v. letting things be. The story he shares is a great example and the read overall is worth your time. But in case you don’t get to click on this particular story, here is what you can do about it:
- Choose one conversation you’ve been avoiding. Write the person’s name and the topic.
- Start small. When the moment comes, open it with curiosity: “I want to understand—can we talk?”
- Clear the noise. Before you speak, pause. Let go of your rebuttals. Your only goal is to understand.
- Reflect to connect. “Let me see if I understand you…”
What was left unwritten about what’s being left unsaid? The other person may be just as close to wanting to talk about it as you…maybe you’re the nudge that is needed?
-->Corporate America is speaking out of both sides of its mouth.
First, a direct read from Tim Elmore, as he shares some thoughts pulled from his new book ‘The Future Begins with Z’.
In this article (The Leadership Gen Z Needs, Chief Executive), Elmore talks about what Gen Z needs. And as I read it, I couldn’t help but think…isn’t this what all employees need?
On the flip side is this article from Business Insider on CEOs demanding more loyalty at work. The takeaways, especially after reading the Elmore piece, are…confusing? One is about how companies should be leading, listening and learning from employees. The other is about what companies are actually doing (which is the opposite of listening and learning).
I guess it’s because one is about what should be done while the other is about what is being done. As always, the truth probably lies in the middle, likely in the form of culture.
Related: This story isn’t going anywhere so might as well fit it in here – an HR/crisis comms situation that went sideways, fast, when Conde Nast employees confronted the HR lead after layoffs. Conde Nast responded by firing four of them. I’d love to hear your take on how the company could’ve handled it differently, whether in the moment or in the follow-up. To my HR friends…how would you feel if you were being ‘pursued’ by employees after a layoff?
-->Gen Z wants to know what you make (Inc)
Seems like workplace etiquette could be evolving as Gen Z continues to join the workforce. While it’s unlikely to happen anytime soon, Gen Z does value working for a company that has salary transparency. Don’t hate the messenger…just sharing what you need to know! (Note: some states are required to disclose salaries.)
-->For the pod squad: Brene Brown on Being a Steady Leader in Tumultuous Times (HBR Ideacast)
Look, there are two rules to this newsletter: first, always bring value. Second, never pass up the chance to feature Brene Brown.
Oh, and a bonus…The Communicators, Episode 4: People are talking.
-->This is supposed to be fun, Stranger Things edition!
Two great collabs with Stranger Things:
Gatorade (oh hey Myles Garrett)
New season is here in less than two weeks!
-->Finally, a few Cliff Clavins for ya…
- What kind of math is this? Where ‘thousands’ are better than ‘millions’? As a baseball fan. As a Guardians fan. Ban these two idiots for life please.
- Remember remember the 6th of November when Starbucks had a Tickle-Me-Elmo moment. It’s Bearista glass (only $29.95) sold out and led people to fight, scramble, cry and complain. Just like Starbucks planned all along… Guerilla marketing, folks!
- Do they know it’s Christmas? Well, if you see a big truck carrying a big tree going up in the Big Apple, then yes. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has arrived in Manhattan. It’s 75-feet tall and 11 tons. If you wanna see it…
Feel free to share with anyone else you think would enjoy the articles and resources!
Thank you,
Ben
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