Words are Critically Important

I wrote a piece for MeatingPlace about “dangerous phrases” that do not foster a culture of commitment. Food safety systems, procedures, and training all matter, but culture shows up first in the everyday language used in the organization, from the plant floor to the corner office.

These phrases may sound routine and harmless, but over time they can quietly erode accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement when they go unchallenged.

The blog focuses less on policies and more on mindset, because the language we normalize shapes the culture we build.

The full article, “From the Ground Floor Up: Dangerous Phrases (and What to Do About Them)”, was originally published in Meatingplace and is shared here with permission.

Sharon K.K. Beals
President, American Meat Science Association