{"id":42297,"date":"2024-08-21T08:53:15","date_gmt":"2024-08-21T06:53:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parm.com\/?p=42297"},"modified":"2026-06-02T15:19:42","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T13:19:42","slug":"between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/","title":{"rendered":"Between the lines: When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_section et_pb_section_0  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et_section_regular et_block_section\" >\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_row et_pb_row_0  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et_block_row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column et_pb_column_0  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et-last-child et_block_column\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_text et_pb_text_0  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h1>Between the lines: When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><\/span><\/h1><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_code et_pb_code_0\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\">[shariff]<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_row et_pb_row_1  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et_block_row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et-last-child et_block_column\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_image et_pb_image_0\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"et_pb_image_wrap \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1313\" src=\"https:\/\/parm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN.jpg\" alt=\"When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful\" title=\"Post_Mitigated_Speech\" srcset=\"https:\/\/parm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN.jpg 2500w, https:\/\/parm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN-1280x672.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/parm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN-980x515.jpg 980w, https:\/\/parm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN-480x252.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 2500px, 100vw\" class=\"wp-image-42330\" \/><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_row et_pb_row_2 et_pb_equal_columns  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et_block_row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column et_pb_column_2  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et-last-child et_block_column\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_text et_pb_text_1  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>In the world of project management and leadership, communication plays a central role in success. An often overlooked but extremely important facet of this communication is so-called \"mitigated speech\" - the practice of toning down or softening statements in order to avoid conflict or respect hierarchies. However, this form of indirect communication can be a double-edged sword: While in some situations it helps to create a harmonious working environment, it also carries the risk of misunderstandings and wrong decisions. We show why it is particularly important for managers and project leaders to understand and consciously manage the dynamics of mitigated speech to ensure clear and effective communication within the team.   <\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_row et_pb_row_3  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et_block_row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column et_pb_column_3  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et-last-child et_block_column\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_text et_pb_text_2  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/#What_is_mitigated_speech\" >What is mitigated speech?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/#Why_is_softened_language_used\" >Why is softened language used?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/#When_mitigated_speech_can_lead_to_problems\" >When mitigated speech can lead to problems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/#Conscious_use_of_mitigated_speech_in_everyday_working_life\" >Conscious use of mitigated speech in everyday working life<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_mitigated_speech\"><\/span>What is mitigated speech?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Mitigated speech refers to the practice of formulating statements or instructions so that they appear less direct or binding. This is often done out of politeness, respect or the desire to avoid conflict.  <br \/>There are six levels of softened language, which represent different degrees of softening in communication - from direct language to very careful, indirect formulations.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Command:<\/strong> \"Switch off the light.\" This is the most direct form of communication, in which the speaker gives a clear instruction without softening or politeness. There is no room for misunderstanding, but the statement can be perceived as too demanding or impolite, especially in sensitive contexts.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Team Obligation Statement:<\/strong> \"We should turn off the lights.\" This level expresses a collective commitment, with the speaker including the group or team in the statement. This softens the command and creates a sense of shared responsibility.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Team Suggestion:<\/strong> \"Could we turn off the light?\" The speaker makes a suggestion here that leaves room for discussion or objections. This form is more polite and less direct than a command, but still relatively clear in its intention.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Query of preference:<\/strong> \"Wouldn't it be better if we turned off the light?\" A question is asked here to find out the other person's preference. This formulation is even more indirect and allows the recipient to contribute their own opinion.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Hint:<\/strong> \"Isn't it a bit too bright here?\" The speaker only hints at the concern without expressing it directly. This form is very cautious and indirect, which carries the risk that the message is not clear enough and is misunderstood.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mitigated hint:<\/strong> \"It might be helpful if it were a little darker here.\" This is the most mitigated form of communication, where the speaker only hints at the intention without stating it directly. This level is the most risky, as the intention can easily be overlooked or ignored.  <\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_text et_pb_text_3  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_softened_language_used\"><\/span>Why is softened language used?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Politeness and respect:<\/strong> Softened language helps to spare the feelings of the other person by making the statement less confrontational. This is particularly important in hierarchical structures where subordinates want to address their superiors respectfully, cannot contradict them directly or should not express clear criticism. In order not to jeopardize their position but still address important points, they often resort to indirect or mitigating formulations.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Avoiding conflict:<\/strong> In situations where tensions or disagreements could arise, softened language can help defuse potential conflicts by softening the tone of the conversation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Maintaining harmony:<\/strong> People have a strong need to be accepted and liked by others. Direct or confrontational statements could jeopardize this need by straining the relationship with the interlocutor. Softened language allows the speaker to get their message across without running the risk of disrupting social harmony.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Uncertainty or caution:<\/strong> In addition, softened language is also used when you are unsure about the correct course or the accuracy of a statement or you do not want to appear too demanding. By toning down statements, you protect yourself from possible mistakes, critical feedback or negative consequences. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Cultural imprint:<\/strong> In many cultures, especially in collectivist societies such as those in East Asia, great emphasis is placed on harmony and maintaining social relationships. Here, softened language is often used to save face and avoid confrontation. In these cultures, indirect communication is therefore a norm, whereas in individualistic cultures, such as in many Western countries, more direct communication is often preferred.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Gender roles:<\/strong> Gender roles can also have an impact on the use of mitigated speech. Studies show that women tend to use softened language more often to be perceived as cooperative and empathetic, as these characteristics are considered socially desirable for women in many cultures. Men, on the other hand, may be encouraged to communicate more directly in some contexts to be seen as assertive and strong.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Professional and social norms:<\/strong> In certain professions or social groups, softened language may also be the norm. For example, in professions where diplomatic or therapeutic communication is key (such as diplomacy or healthcare), softened language is deliberately used to deal sensitively with difficult issues. <\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_text et_pb_text_4  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_mitigated_speech_can_lead_to_problems\"><\/span>When mitigated speech can lead to problems<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Softened language has its advantages and can be very helpful. However, it can also lead to some difficulties.  <\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Misunderstandings and misinterpretations:<\/strong> Softened language can lead to a message not coming across clearly. If statements are toned down too much, for example, there is a risk that they are not taken seriously by the recipient, misinterpreted or simply ignored. For example, a team member may not perceive a toned-down request as urgent and not complete a task on time, or the person addressed may feel that they are not meant at all or that it is not a request at all.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Lack of clarity in communication:<\/strong> In addition, softened language can lead to team members not knowing exactly what is expected of them. This can lead to confusion, inefficient working, and delays. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Subliminal conflicts:<\/strong> Mitigated speech is also often used to avoid critical but unpleasant topics. However, if conflicts or problems are not addressed directly through mitigated speech, they often remain unresolved and can put a strain on team dynamics in the long term. For example, if a team member consistently performs poorly, but the manager does not address the issue directly, this can lead to major problems for the entire team.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Weakening of authority:<\/strong> Managers can also be perceived as weak or insecure if they rely too much on softened language. For example, instructions given in an insecure, softened tone may not be taken seriously. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Malcolm Gladwell's book \"Outliers\" mentions a famous study from the aviation industry that shows the fatal consequences of mitigated speech. The study investigated airplane crashes in which communication errors played a significant role. In many of these cases, co-pilots or other crew members were too reluctant or deferential to the captain to address potentially dangerous situations directly.  <\/p>\n<p><em>Example:<\/em> A co-pilot noticed a technical problem, but pointed it out in a softened form: \"It seems like there might be a small problem here.\" The captain did not take the warning seriously enough, which led to a disaster. <\/p>\n<p>In such cases in particular, mitigated speech can lead to life-threatening misunderstandings or limit the ability of team members to act, so that necessary measures are not taken. So while mitigated speech can be useful in many situations to maintain relationships and avoid conflict, it carries significant risks when clear, concise communication is required. Leaders and project managers should be aware of these risks and foster a culture where open, direct feedback is possible to avoid misunderstandings and wrong decisions.  <\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_text et_pb_text_5  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conscious_use_of_mitigated_speech_in_everyday_working_life\"><\/span>Conscious use of mitigated speech in everyday working life<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>By using mitigated speech, managers and employees can maintain positive and productive communication in their day-to-day work. However, to avoid possible ambiguities or difficulties, mitigated speech should be used consciously. A few simple rules can help.  <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Set clear goals:<\/strong> Before using softened language, it should be clear what goal is to be achieved:\n<ul>\n<li>Create or maintain a harmonious working environment and show respect and appreciation.<\/li>\n<li>Addressing sensitive topics or critical feedback.<\/li>\n<li>hierarchies and cultural norms.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid or de-escalate conflicts.<\/li>\n<li>To promote cooperation and the exchange of ideas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Balance between politeness and clarity:<\/strong> While it is important to communicate respectfully, the message must not be so toned down that it becomes unclear. The right level of directness should be maintained depending on the context. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Consider the context:<\/strong> Mitigated speech should always be used in the context of the situation. In crises or when precise instructions are required, direct communication is often more suitable. On the other hand, mitigated speech is always necessary if the cultural context dictates this.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Promote a culture of open communication:<\/strong> Despite the occasional use of mitigated speech, a culture of open and honest communication should be encouraged in an organization where employees feel safe to express their thoughts clearly and directly.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_row et_pb_row_4  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et_block_row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et-last-child et_block_column\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_text et_pb_text_6  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Mitigated speech is a double-edged sword in communication, especially in leadership and project management contexts. While mitigated speech can help to promote harmony and avoid conflict, it also carries the risk of misunderstandings and ineffective decision-making. Managers should be aware of the dynamics of this form of communication and use it purposefully to maintain a balance between politeness and clarity.  <\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_row et_pb_row_5  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et_block_row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column et_pb_column_5  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et_block_column\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_text et_pb_text_7  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>Tools such as myPARM CorporateNavigator and myPARM ProjectManagement can make a significant contribution to optimizing communication within the team. By clearly structuring tasks, transparent reporting functions and integrated communication channels, these software solutions help managers and project leaders to use direct and softened language effectively. They offer a platform on which both clear instructions and sensitively formulated feedback can be communicated efficiently and comprehensibly, thereby avoiding misunderstandings and strengthening collaboration.  <\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column et_pb_column_6  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et-last-child et_block_column\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_text et_pb_text_8  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>Find out more about the myPARM CorporateNavigator leadership software:<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_0_wrapper et_pb_button_alignment_left et_pb_module \">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"et_pb_button et_d4_element et_pb_button_0 et_hover_enabled et_pb_bg_layout_light et_block_module\" href=\"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/leadership-software\/\">More information<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_text et_pb_text_9  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>Would you like to get to know myPARM CorporateNavigator in a demo presentation? Then make an appointment with us right away!<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_1_wrapper et_pb_button_alignment_left et_pb_module \">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"et_pb_button et_d4_element et_pb_button_1 et_hover_enabled et_pb_bg_layout_light et_block_module\" href=\"https:\/\/calendly.com\/parmag\/fuehrungssoftware-webdemo\" target=\"_blank\">Arrange appointment<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_row et_pb_row_6  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et_block_row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column et_pb_column_7  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et-last-child et_block_column\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_code et_pb_code_1\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\">[shariff]<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_section et_pb_section_1  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et_section_regular et_block_section\" >\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_row et_pb_row_7  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et_block_row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column et_pb_column_8  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et-last-child et_block_column\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_code et_pb_code_2\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><!-- Begin Sendinblue Form -->\n<!-- START - We recommend to place the below code in head tag of your website html -->\n<style>\n  @font-face {\n    font-display: block;\n    font-family: Roboto;\n    src: url(https:\/\/assets.sendinblue.com\/font\/Roboto\/Latin\/normal\/normal\/7529907e9eaf8ebb5220c5f9850e3811.woff2) format(\"woff2\"), url(https:\/\/assets.sendinblue.com\/font\/Roboto\/Latin\/normal\/normal\/25c678feafdc175a70922a116c9be3e7.woff) format(\"woff\")\n  }\n\n  @font-face {\n    font-display: fallback;\n    font-family: Roboto;\n    font-weight: 600;\n    src: url(https:\/\/assets.sendinblue.com\/font\/Roboto\/Latin\/medium\/normal\/6e9caeeafb1f3491be3e32744bc30440.woff2) format(\"woff2\"), url(https:\/\/assets.sendinblue.com\/font\/Roboto\/Latin\/medium\/normal\/71501f0d8d5aa95960f6475d5487d4c2.woff) format(\"woff\")\n  }\n\n  @font-face {\n    font-display: fallback;\n    font-family: Roboto;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    src: url(https:\/\/assets.sendinblue.com\/font\/Roboto\/Latin\/bold\/normal\/3ef7cf158f310cf752d5ad08cd0e7e60.woff2) format(\"woff2\"), url(https:\/\/assets.sendinblue.com\/font\/Roboto\/Latin\/bold\/normal\/ece3a1d82f18b60bcce0211725c476aa.woff) format(\"woff\")\n  }\n\n  #sib-container input:-ms-input-placeholder {\n    text-align: left;\n    font-family: \"Helvetica\", sans-serif;\n    color: #c0ccda;\n  }\n\n  #sib-container input::placeholder {\n    text-align: left;\n    font-family: \"Helvetica\", sans-serif;\n    color: #c0ccda;\n  }\n\n  #sib-container textarea::placeholder {\n    text-align: left;\n    font-family: \"Helvetica\", sans-serif;\n    color: #c0ccda;\n  }\n<\/style>\n<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/sibforms.com\/forms\/end-form\/build\/sib-styles.css\">\n<!-- END - We recommend to place the above code in head tag of your website html -->\n\n<!-- START - We recommend to place the below code where you want the form in your website html -->\n<div class=\"sib-form\" style=\"text-align: center;\n         background-color: transparent;                                 \">\n  <div id=\"sib-form-container\" class=\"sib-form-container\">\n    <div id=\"error-message\" class=\"sib-form-message-panel\" style=\"font-size:16px; text-align:left; font-family:\" helvetica=\"\" sans-serif=\"\" color:=\"\" background-color:=\"\" border-radius:3px=\"\" border-color:=\"\">\n      <div class=\"sib-form-message-panel__text sib-form-message-panel__text--center\">\n        <svg viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" class=\"sib-icon sib-notification__icon\">\n          <path d=\"M256 40c118.621 0 216 96.075 216 216 0 119.291-96.61 216-216 216-119.244 0-216-96.562-216-216 0-119.203 96.602-216 216-216m0-32C119.043 8 8 119.083 8 256c0 136.997 111.043 248 248 248s248-111.003 248-248C504 119.083 392.957 8 256 8zm-11.49 120h22.979c6.823 0 12.274 5.682 11.99 12.5l-7 168c-.268 6.428-5.556 11.5-11.99 11.5h-8.979c-6.433 0-11.722-5.073-11.99-11.5l-7-168c-.283-6.818 5.167-12.5 11.99-12.5zM256 340c-15.464 0-28 12.536-28 28s12.536 28 28 28 28-12.536 28-28-12.536-28-28-28z\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n        <span class=\"sib-form-message-panel__inner-text\">\n Ihre Anmeldung konnte nicht gespeichert werden. Bitte versuchen Sie es erneut.\n                      <\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div><\/div>\n    <div id=\"success-message\" class=\"sib-form-message-panel\" style=\"font-size:16px; text-align:left; font-family:\" helvetica=\"\" sans-serif=\"\" color:=\"\" background-color:=\"\" border-radius:3px=\"\" border-color:=\"\">\n      <div class=\"sib-form-message-panel__text sib-form-message-panel__text--center\">\n        <svg viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" class=\"sib-icon sib-notification__icon\">\n          <path d=\"M256 8C119.033 8 8 119.033 8 256s111.033 248 248 248 248-111.033 248-248S392.967 8 256 8zm0 464c-118.664 0-216-96.055-216-216 0-118.663 96.055-216 216-216 118.664 0 216 96.055 216 216 0 118.663-96.055 216-216 216zm141.63-274.961L217.15 376.071c-4.705 4.667-12.303 4.637-16.97-.068l-85.878-86.572c-4.667-4.705-4.637-12.303.068-16.97l8.52-8.451c4.705-4.667 12.303-4.637 16.97.068l68.976 69.533 163.441-162.13c4.705-4.667 12.303-4.637 16.97.068l8.451 8.52c4.668 4.705 4.637 12.303-.068 16.97z\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n        <span class=\"sib-form-message-panel__inner-text\">\n Ihre Anmeldung war erfolgreich. Bitte sehen Sie in Ihr Postfach und best\u00e4tigen Sie Ihre Anmeldung. Sollte keine Nachricht ankommen, sehen Sie bitte in Ihren Spam-Ordner. Vielen Dank!\n                      <\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div><\/div>\n    <div id=\"sib-container\" class=\"sib-container--large sib-container--vertical\" style=\"text-align:center; background-color:rgba(27,62,144,1); max-width:1080px; border-radius:3px; border-width:0px; border-color:#C0CCD9; border-style:solid;\">\n      <form id=\"sib-form\" method=\"POST\" action=\"https:\/\/272a17fd.sibforms.com\/serve\/MUIEAOo1vFGWS7d0cvncbnGo6ZIm0MV83UA-ApqLz0GJgUd38j-GsNKlhCPZ1kVJVEGx5yChU7xjEUZEVAhHli4H01njDJsY0TOLof7HNzi7lZJvWMes1-Je1GVxivY9c8XrMzqbTrnQ9SuHnjhsRe5vXL8U5STdopGqk00vm6RWgZiOpVABZMg1kUY8-KjUWzt-Tpk5-zC9XQ2j\" data-type=\"subscription\">\n        <div style=\"padding: 8px 0;\">\n          <div class=\"sib-form-block\" style=\"font-size:32px; text-align:left; font-weight:700; font-family:\" helvetica=\"\" sans-serif=\"\" color:=\"\" background-color:transparent=\"\">\n            Newsletter\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div style=\"padding: 8px 0;\">\n          <div class=\"sib-form-block\" style=\"font-size:16px; text-align:left; font-family:\" helvetica=\"\" sans-serif=\"\" color:=\"\" background-color:transparent=\"\">\n            <div class=\"sib-text-form-block\">\n              Melden Sie sich zu unserem monatlichen Newsletter an und werden Sie \u00fcber Produkte der Parm AG, Neuheiten, Trends im Projektmanagement sowie Angebote und Veranstaltungen informiert.\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div style=\"padding: 8px 0;\">\n          <div class=\"sib-input sib-form-block\">\n            <div class=\"form__entry entry_block\">\n              <div class=\"form__label-row \">\n\n                <div class=\"entry__field\">\n                  <input class=\"input\" type=\"text\" id=\"EMAIL\" name=\"EMAIL\" autocomplete=\"off\" placeholder=\"EMAIL\" data-required=\"true\" required=\"\">\n                <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n              <label class=\"entry__error entry__error--primary\" style=\"font-size:16px; text-align:left; font-family:\" helvetica=\"\" sans-serif=\"\" color:=\"\" background-color:=\"\" border-radius:3px=\"\" border-color:=\"\">\n              <\/label>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div style=\"padding: 8px 0;\">\n          <div class=\"sib-optin sib-form-block\" data-required=\"true\">\n            <div class=\"form__entry entry_mcq\">\n              <div class=\"form__label-row \">\n                <div class=\"entry__choice\">\n                  <label>\n                    <input type=\"checkbox\" class=\"input_replaced\" value=\"1\" id=\"OPT_IN\" name=\"OPT_IN\" required=\"\">\n                    <span class=\"checkbox checkbox_tick_positive\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:14px; text-align:left; font-family:\" helvetica=\"\" sans-serif=\"\" color:=\"\" background-color:transparent=\"\">Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass der Newsletter individuell auf meine Interessen abgestimmt wird. Zu diesem Zweck gestatte ich der Parm AG mein \u00d6ffnungs-, Klick- und Downloadverhalten im Newsetter zu analysieren und ein personenbezogenes Nutzerprofil von mir zu erstellen. Die <a href=\"https:\/\/parm.com\/datenschutzerklaerung\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Datenschutzerkl\u00e4rung <\/a>habe ich gelesen und akzeptiere diese. Die Abmeldung vom Newsletter ist jederzeit m\u00f6glich.<span data-required=\"*\" style=\"display: inline;\" class=\"entry__label entry__label_optin\"><\/span><\/span> <\/label>\n                <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n              <label class=\"entry__error entry__error--primary\" style=\"font-size:16px; text-align:left; font-family:\" helvetica=\"\" sans-serif=\"\" color:=\"\" background-color:=\"\" border-radius:3px=\"\" border-color:=\"\">\n              <\/label>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div style=\"padding: 8px 0;\">\n          <div class=\"g-recaptcha\" data-sitekey=\"6LdyzNAcAAAAANv3WwEWU18I26AH-2q2CcQ6eQUk\" data-callback=\"invisibleCaptchaCallback\" data-size=\"invisible\" onclick=\"executeCaptcha\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div style=\"padding: 8px 0;\">\n          <div class=\"sib-form-block\" style=\"text-align: left\">\n            <button class=\"sib-form-block__button sib-form-block__button-with-loader\" style=\"font-size:16px; text-align:left; font-weight:700; font-family:\" helvetica=\"\" sans-serif=\"\" color:=\"\" background-color:=\"\" border-radius:3px=\"\" border-width:0px=\"\" form=\"sib-form\" type=\"submit\">\n              <svg class=\"icon clickable__icon progress-indicator__icon sib-hide-loader-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n                <path d=\"M460.116 373.846l-20.823-12.022c-5.541-3.199-7.54-10.159-4.663-15.874 30.137-59.886 28.343-131.652-5.386-189.946-33.641-58.394-94.896-95.833-161.827-99.676C261.028 55.961 256 50.751 256 44.352V20.309c0-6.904 5.808-12.337 12.703-11.982 83.556 4.306 160.163 50.864 202.11 123.677 42.063 72.696 44.079 162.316 6.031 236.832-3.14 6.148-10.75 8.461-16.728 5.01z\"\/>\n              <\/svg>\n ANMELDEN\n            <\/button>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"email_address_check\" value=\"\" class=\"input--hidden\">\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"locale\" value=\"de\">\n      <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- END - We recommend to place the below code where you want the form in your website html -->\n\n<!-- START - We recommend to place the below code in footer or bottom of your website html -->\n<script>\n  window.REQUIRED_CODE_ERROR_MESSAGE = 'W\u00e4hlen Sie bitte einen L\u00e4ndervorwahl aus.';\n  window.LOCALE = 'de';\n  window.EMAIL_INVALID_MESSAGE = window.SMS_INVALID_MESSAGE = \"Die eingegebenen Informationen sind nicht g\u00fcltig. Bitte \u00fcberpr\u00fcfen Sie die Felder und versuchen Sie es erneut.\";\n\n  window.REQUIRED_ERROR_MESSAGE = \"Dieses Feld darf nicht leer sein. \";\n\n  window.GENERIC_INVALID_MESSAGE = \"Die eingegebenen Informationen sind nicht g\u00fcltig. Bitte \u00fcberpr\u00fcfen Sie die Felder und versuchen Sie es erneut.\";\n\n\n\n\n  window.translation = {\n    common: {\n      selectedList: '{quantity} Liste ausgew\u00e4hlt',\n      selectedLists: '{quantity} Listen ausgew\u00e4hlt'\n    }\n  };\n\n  var AUTOHIDE = Boolean(0);\n<\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/sibforms.com\/forms\/end-form\/build\/main.js\"><\/script>\n\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/recaptcha\/api.js?hl=de\"><\/script>\n\n<!-- END - We recommend to place the above code in footer or bottom of your website html -->\n<!-- End Sendinblue Form --><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a project meeting, a team member says: &#8220;Maybe we should reconsider this.&#8221; Sounds harmless, right? But this is exactly where big problems can lie, because it could be mitigated speech. This often helpful form of communication, if not used consciously, can lead to important information not being communicated clearly enough &#8211; with potentially serious consequences.we show why managers and project managers in particular must understand and consciously use the subtle nuances of mitigated speech. Learn how to find the balance between politeness and clarity and promote a communication culture that minimizes misunderstandings.      <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":42330,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1166,49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-42297","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-leadership","category-project-management"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Between the lines: When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Mitigated speech is a softened form of language that has many positive aspects, but can also lead to serious misunderstandings.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Between the lines: When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In a project meeting, a team member says: &quot;Maybe we should reconsider this.&quot; Sounds harmless, right? But this is exactly where big problems can lie, because it could be mitigated speech. This often helpful form of communication, if not used consciously, can lead to important information not being communicated clearly enough - with potentially serious consequences.we show why managers and project managers in particular must understand and consciously use the subtle nuances of mitigated speech. Learn how to find the balance between politeness and clarity and promote a communication culture that minimizes misunderstandings.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Parm AG\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/myparm\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-08-21T06:53:15+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-02T13:19:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/parm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1313\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Natascha Schleutker\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Between the lines: When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"In a project meeting, a team member says: &quot;Maybe we should reconsider this.&quot; Sounds harmless, right? But this is exactly where big problems can lie, because it could be mitigated speech. This often helpful form of communication, if not used consciously, can lead to important information not being communicated clearly enough - with potentially serious consequences.we show why managers and project managers in particular must understand and consciously use the subtle nuances of mitigated speech. Learn how to find the balance between politeness and clarity and promote a communication culture that minimizes misunderstandings.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/parm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Natascha Schleutker\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Natascha Schleutker\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/c24699ce0d4e2f1a102409a36cc80953\"},\"headline\":\"Between the lines: When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-08-21T06:53:15+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-02T13:19:42+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2422,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Leadership\",\"Project management\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\\\/\",\"name\":\"Between the lines: When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-08-21T06:53:15+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-02T13:19:42+00:00\",\"description\":\"Mitigated speech is a softened form of language that has many positive aspects, but can also lead to serious misunderstandings.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN.jpg\",\"width\":2500,\"height\":1313,\"caption\":\"When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Startseite\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Between the lines: When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/\",\"name\":\"Parm AG\",\"description\":\"Successful projects. Swiss quality. Software f\u00fcr Projektmanagement\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/#organization\"},\"alternateName\":\"Parm\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Parm AG\",\"alternateName\":\"Parm\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/11\\\/Parm_Logo_blue_RGB.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/11\\\/Parm_Logo_blue_RGB.png\",\"width\":908,\"height\":228,\"caption\":\"Parm AG\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/myparm\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/parm-ag\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.xing.com\\\/pages\\\/parmag\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/c24699ce0d4e2f1a102409a36cc80953\",\"name\":\"Natascha Schleutker\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/parm.com\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Between the lines: When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful","description":"Mitigated speech is a softened form of language that has many positive aspects, but can also lead to serious misunderstandings.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Between the lines: When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful","og_description":"In a project meeting, a team member says: \"Maybe we should reconsider this.\" Sounds harmless, right? But this is exactly where big problems can lie, because it could be mitigated speech. This often helpful form of communication, if not used consciously, can lead to important information not being communicated clearly enough - with potentially serious consequences.we show why managers and project managers in particular must understand and consciously use the subtle nuances of mitigated speech. Learn how to find the balance between politeness and clarity and promote a communication culture that minimizes misunderstandings.","og_url":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/","og_site_name":"Parm AG","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/myparm","article_published_time":"2024-08-21T06:53:15+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-06-02T13:19:42+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2500,"height":1313,"url":"https:\/\/parm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Natascha Schleutker","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"Between the lines: When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful","twitter_description":"In a project meeting, a team member says: \"Maybe we should reconsider this.\" Sounds harmless, right? But this is exactly where big problems can lie, because it could be mitigated speech. This often helpful form of communication, if not used consciously, can lead to important information not being communicated clearly enough - with potentially serious consequences.we show why managers and project managers in particular must understand and consciously use the subtle nuances of mitigated speech. Learn how to find the balance between politeness and clarity and promote a communication culture that minimizes misunderstandings.","twitter_image":"https:\/\/parm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN.jpg","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Natascha Schleutker","Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/"},"author":{"name":"Natascha Schleutker","@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/c24699ce0d4e2f1a102409a36cc80953"},"headline":"Between the lines: When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful","datePublished":"2024-08-21T06:53:15+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-02T13:19:42+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/"},"wordCount":2422,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/parm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN.jpg","articleSection":["Leadership","Project management"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/","url":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/","name":"Between the lines: When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/parm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN.jpg","datePublished":"2024-08-21T06:53:15+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-02T13:19:42+00:00","description":"Mitigated speech is a softened form of language that has many positive aspects, but can also lead to serious misunderstandings.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/parm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/parm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Post_Mitigated_Speech_EN.jpg","width":2500,"height":1313,"caption":"When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/between-the-lines-when-and-how-mitigated-speech-makes-leadership-successful\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Startseite","item":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Between the lines: When and how mitigated speech makes leadership successful"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/","name":"Parm AG","description":"Successful projects. Swiss quality. Software f\u00fcr Projektmanagement","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/#organization"},"alternateName":"Parm","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/#organization","name":"Parm AG","alternateName":"Parm","url":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/parm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Parm_Logo_blue_RGB.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/parm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Parm_Logo_blue_RGB.png","width":908,"height":228,"caption":"Parm AG"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/myparm","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/parm-ag","https:\/\/www.xing.com\/pages\/parmag"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/c24699ce0d4e2f1a102409a36cc80953","name":"Natascha Schleutker","sameAs":["https:\/\/parm.com"]}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42297","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42297"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42297\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":252258,"href":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42297\/revisions\/252258"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42330"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42297"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42297"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42297"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}