Inarguably, this is the most proper use of pronouns

In any organization, building strong and cohesive units inside the whole is vital to achieving success. This means cultivating a sense of tribe among individuals.

A tribe is a group of people who share a common vision, objectives, and set of values. It is stronger than a team because it has a deeper sense of connection and commitment.

One effective way...

to build a sense of tribe is a simple change of language. This means replacing "they" and "them" with "we" and "us." For example, instead of saying, "They failed to get us what we needed and it caused us to miss the deadline," just say "We missed the deadline." Then work with "them" to ensure success.

"But what if THEY actually did cause us to miss the deadline?!" Then YOU are missing the point. Take the initiative of ownership to ensure it gets done.

This simple change in language can have a significant impact on team dynamics. "They" is divisive where "we" is cohesive. Using "we" language helps create a sense of ownership and accountability. It shows that everyone is responsible for the team's success or failure, and that no single person is more important than another. This will increase motivation, commitment, and engagement.

Inclusive language also...

builds trust among team members. When people use "we" language, they are more likely to accept responsibility for their actions and mistakes. They are less likely to blame others or make excuses. This helps create a culture of accountability, where team members feel safe admitting their mistakes and asking for help.

When trust is established, it creates a sense of tribe because individuals begin to see themselves as part of a larger community with shared goals and values. They are more likely to work together and support each other, even when things get difficult. This resilience to overcome even the most simple challenge is a leading factor in developing a sense of tribe, which reduces employee turnover.

By simply replacing "they" with "we," you will cultivate a sense of ownership, accountability, and trust. In turn, you will create a sense of tribe where team members feel connected and committed to each other's success.

Call to Action: you are correct, it's not as simple as it sounds. But it's not Utopia either...it can be accomplished. Try if for one week - get rid of "they" when referencing any other group/division in your organization.