Gill Ereaut’s The Way We Talk Around Here is an eye-opening look at how workplace language shapes culture, behavior, and ultimately, business success. It’s one of those books that makes you realize just how much what we say, how we say it, and even what we don’t say impacts the way teams function and decisions get made. Ereaut dives into the hidden patterns of workplace language, showing how they can either reinforce a toxic culture or create a more open, productive environment.

Personally, this book made me hyper-aware of the words we default to at work and how small shifts in language can lead to big shifts in mindset and collaboration. This book is full of tools to start changing the way we communicate for the better. If you’re a leader, manager, or anyone interested in improving workplace culture and communication, The Way We Talk Around Here is a must-read. It’ll change the way you listen, the way you speak, and the way you have conversations at work.

Perhaps because I had read about organisational culture and systematic language before, I had high expectations from this book.
Although this might be a great introduction for many, it lacked some of the specificity and freshness I was hoping to find.
I will not be reviewing this publicly.

I love that this book speaks of "how we do things here" when talking about culture in organizations because I have often found that most organizations have a lot of things that are unspoken that affect work and yet it's not highlighted.
The author goes on to unpack language and its contribution to an organization's culture.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC

Gill Ereaut’s The Way We Talk Around Here explores how workplace culture is embedded in everyday language and offers practical tools for analyzing and reshaping these patterns. Ereaut argues that the unspoken norms of an organization are reflected in its language, influencing behavior and decision-making, often without conscious awareness.

The book shines in its practicality, offering clear strategies for leaders to identify outdated cultural norms and use language to drive meaningful change. While it focuses deeply on linguistics, it provides fresh insights into how small shifts in communication can transform an organization’s culture.

Accessible and thought-provoking, this book is perfect for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone looking to improve their workplace dynamics. It’s a quick, actionable read that challenges you to listen more closely and use words as a tool for cultural transformation.