Words Matter: The Language of Feminist Project Management

The words we use matter. In this blog post, we'll look at why some of the current language used in project management is problematic, and offer some alternatives to popular project management terminology that will make your language (and your projects) more feminist, inclusive and impactful.

The Language of Project Management

Language shapes how we see the world, influencing our thoughts, relationships and understanding of others. But we rarely stop to think about its deeper meaning or the power dynamics it carries. Words can build empathy and connection, but they can also exclude, harm and reinforce inequality. Being mindful of language is about recognising its impact and striving for more inclusive, thoughtful communication; because the way we speak shapes the world we create. 

Mainstream project management has its own language, with loads of acronyms, idioms and jargon that newcomers might find a bit overwhelming. A lot of this language was created in the 20th century by industries like construction, the military and tech, which were mainly male-dominated fields in the Global North. These industries formalised project management as we know it today, and their influence is still visible in the terms we use. 

Many organisations since have uncritically adopted project management as a framework for delivering their projects, including the terminology. However, very few have thought about the impact of language and how it can contribute to creating a problematic culture. Part of our approach with Feminist Project Management is to question some of the language of mainstream project management, and instead challenge us to create cultures with language that values inclusivity, equity, and collaboration. 

Below, we want to highlight some of the unhelpful and exclusive language used in mainstream project management, where some of the most popular phrases came from, and suggest some more gentle alternatives for your projects.

The Language of Sports 🥇

Project management borrows heavily from sports, using terms from football, athletics and rugby to promote team spirit and motivation. While teamwork is key, this language also brings a culture of pressure, competition and individualism. Feminist Project Management challenges this, advocating for more inclusive language that moves away from relentless productivity and instead values collaboration, shared leadership and collective success. By changing the words we use, we can create project cultures that focus on well-being, equity, and working together.

The Language of Command and Control 🚀

Project management language often reflects a “command and control” mindset, with terms rooted in military influence that create a sense of urgency and pressure. Phrases like “military precision” can reinforce a high-stress culture, prioritising targets over the process and well-being of those involved. This urgency can harm morale and overlook the importance of collaboration and adaptability. Feminist Project Management challenges this by valuing the process as much as the outcome, fostering a project management culture that is supportive, sustainable, and people-centred.

Colonial Language 🌍

The language of project management is not neutral; it carries histories of power, control, and hierarchy, many of which stem from colonial influences. Terms that imply ownership, resource extraction, or top-down authority reflect a legacy where decision-making was concentrated in the hands of a few, often at the expense of marginalised communities. From a feminist project management perspective, this is problematic because it reinforces dynamics of domination rather than collaboration.

Conclusion

Language is more than just a tool, it shapes how we see and shape the world, relate to others, and express our values. In project management, the words we use can either reinforce hierarchy and exclusion or foster collaboration and inclusion. Being mindful of language isn't just about communication; it's about creating a project management culture that aligns with our values and the way we work together.

The language and words we choose are also context, culture and country specific (and problematically dominated by the English language). Do feel out what is right and inclusive for you in your own spaces, and if in doubt ask what preferences those around you have and/ or research the most appropriate terms. 

Feminist Project Management encourages language that centres inclusivity, empathy, and shared leadership. If we choose words that acknowledge power dynamics, value emotional labour, and promote equity, we can transform project management into a more human-centred, collaborative, and sustainable practice; one where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

We would love to hear your thoughts- please drop us a comment below. To find out more about Feminist Project Management visit our website.