Clarifying Workplace Lingo and Acronyms [poll results]
In response to my post on Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, I asked you to share with me your thoughts on adding and/or replacing abilities with attitude. Here’s what you said:
What really struck me about this conversation was how split we are about abilities and attitude. There were some comments citing the A in KSA is attitude as noted in Bloom’s Taxonomy. Others said the A is for abilities as referenced by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. I even heard the term KSAOA which stands for knowledge, skills, abilities and other attributes (which includes attitude).
I didn’t walk away with a clear answer to the KSA question. I did immediately see how some of the acronyms used in human resources mean different things to different people. And the importance of seeking clarification when using lingo and acronyms in a business setting.
It reminded me of some of the industries I’ve worked in that, on some level, had their own unique language. We used to include a glossary of commonly used terms in orientation.
Before we pass judgment on a person for using the wrong term, it’s important we understand what the term means to them. It could be perfectly acceptable; just different from our experience.
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