Recently I heard a podcast where Michael Hyatt discussed the effect that public profanity can have on a business. One of the main points was that, regardless of what you think about cussing, there are people out there who will have a problem with it. So if you choose to swear publicly (as opposed to privately), you run the risk that this language may actually become a distraction from the content or service you’re trying to provide. And for some people, this can be enough of a distraction that they either reject the core message or product you’re trying to bring, or choose not to recommend you to others. This has nothing to do whether it’s right or wrong, but about the tangible effect it can have on a business or brand. In the end, something that’s not essential—not necessary to what you’re doing—can become a barrier for what you are trying to do.
And this can happen in other ways too—swearing is just an example. Non-essential things have the potential to become distractions to our clients, customers, or other patrons. And it can happen in all kinds of settings—business, religious, political, personal. We can let non-essentials take away from the core service or content we’re trying to provide. Which is why it’s important to nail down what the core thing is we’re trying to deliver, and then be vigilant about not letting less important things become distractions from it. Because if we fail to do so, it’s possible that a side issue may end up costing us effectiveness where it really matters.