Semantics can also pose as a barrier to effective communication. This is when a word or a phrase has different meanings for different people. Inevitably, words have no meaning until we give them meaning. Still, because we have different life experiences and cultural backgrounds, those meanings may be drastically divergent. If I were to use the word "young" to describe my employee, that employee may be offended by thinking "young" means immature and unprofessional. Conversely, that employee may be flattered by thinking "young" means attractive and innocent. So, to influence agreeable behaviors, leaders will need to be mindful of semantics.

Complicating things a bit, the English language is an evolving language and meanings can change over time. For example, the word "bad" often refers to "good" just as much as it does "bad." I remember in college, a friend of mine describing a presentation we saw as "bad—bad to the bone." But he said it meaning the presentation was good. Usually, meaning is controlled by context, to refer to something.

The semantic triangle may help visualize how semantics work: A word or phrase refers to a thought. This is our personal meaning, which we use to describe a subject or object.

In sum, try to be cognizant of semantics when using words, phrases, or acronyms in order to mitigate barriers and effectively communicate. For example, PLC may mean Professional Learning Community to human resources employees, but it may mean Product Life Cycle to marketing employees.