Writing for execs: Purposely vague, intentionally ambiguous

Ever wonder why company announcements say exactly nothing? Cassandra takes you behind the C-suite curtain to explain

I know why almost all announcements of executive changes are so incredibly lacking in context, background, or real information. Because I write them.

Lest you think I’m about to have a close-up, confessional moment in which I tearfully admit to being beaten down by “the man” and break my own stalwart and avowed commitment to clear communication … well, just don’t. There are times when you have to be purposely vague and intentionally ambiguous. Here’s an example of one of those times:

Well that sounds easy. How about this:

Dear employees,

Please be aware that Senior Exec B will now be taking over the role of Big Honcho Job. Senior Exec A used to do this, but now we think he’s an ignoramus, he’s losing money, and we’ve lost faith in him. We’re shoving him aside, and we hope we won’t have to do this to Senior Exec B 18 months from now.

Regards …

I think you can see why that might not have gone over very well (although the employees would have appreciated the candor). This is where the need for vagueness came in.