1.   Introduction to Clean Language   

1.1           What aspects of Clean Language do you understand?

Clean language is a questioning technique with neutral and open questions that allows individuals to express themselves clearly without any influence from the questioner (Sullivan & Rees, 2008). It is often used to help individuals explore their ideas through metaphors, which can make it easier to talk about abstract topics (Grove & Panze, 1989). I understand that Clean language is useful In the management of family businesses as it allows family members to talk about things without judgement.

1.2           How does Clean Language differ from traditional questioning techniques?

Normal questions will often have assumptions or perspectives that will lead the person being questioned in a specific direction (Lawley & Tompkins, 2000). For example, “Are you having problems with succession?”  assumes that there is a problem. Clean Language, on the other hand, keeps the question neutral and focuses it on the experience of the individual. A clean Language question would rather be, “What would you like to have happen with succession?” (Clean Language Institute, 2023). This allows the individual to answer at will without feeling pressured.

1.3           What challenge do you anticipate when applying Clean Language?

One challenge is not asking leading questions, especially when addressing sensitive family businesses issues like leadership succession (Grove & Panzer, 1989). It can also be tough because some people are not used to open-ended questions and may expect direct advice (Sullivan & Rees, 2008). Another challenge is that practice is required in staying neutral and not imposing one’s own views, especially in emotionally charged discussions (Clean Language Institute, 2023). But the use of Clean Language in governance meetings can assists the members to comprehend one another and make decisions more clearly.

References 

-       Clean Language Institute (2023) An Introduction to Clean Language. Available at: https://www.cleanlanguage.com(Accessed: 18 March 2025).

-       Grove, D. and Panzer, B. (1989) Resolving Traumatic Memories: Metaphors and Symbols in Psychotherapy. New York: Irvington. 

-        Lawley, J. and Tompkins, P. (2000) Metaphors in Mind: Transformation through Symbolic Modelling. London: Developing Company Press.

-       Sullivan, W. and Rees, J. (2008) Clean Language: Revealing Metaphors and Opening Minds. London: Crown House Publishing.