Do we need to adopt a more informal culture at ETH?

What we need are interactions on equal terms – especially at a university! They are the elixir for developing creative ideas and risking new intellectual approaches. That means interacting openly and without bias, using first names and addressing each other with the informal “Du” form in German. That goes for all of us: students, lecturers and staff alike. Only then will we be able to get the full potential from our university. I am often struck by what happens during ETH Week: we get a barrier-free environment that enables learning and teaching to take place on equal terms – regardless of whether the person sharing their ideas is Sarah Springman, Claude Nicollier or a student. By contrast, a formal culture where people address each other in German using the formal “Sie” form consolidates hierarchies and hampers innovation. ETH will become a more creative place if we switch from “Sie” to “Du”.

Our management culture also stands to benefit. People win us over when they exude natural authority. Our ability to manage our teams successfully does not depend on the use of “Sie”. We attract staff and students through expertise and through trust. As managers, we can easily hide behind institutional power by using “Sie”. When we use “Du”, we are more vulnerable and, in turn, more authentic. In my first job after university, I encountered a boss whom no one criticised anymore – not even when he made obvious mistakes. The more impressive someone’s title, the more difficult it is to criticise them openly and honestly. When we use “Du” we are more open to criticism – it may be more painful but it is definitely more worthwhile.

Last but not least, everyone is worthy of respect and appreciation, regardless of their age, education or background. This appreciation is far better expressed through the use of first names than it is through the “Sie” form, which implies distance and emphasises the disparity in a relationship. The rules governing who is allowed to address whom as “Du” – and when – are the expression of an anachronistic disparity that we need to get past. Particularly when research and academic operations are running smoothly, there is a tendency to forget that they are actually only possible because of the many people working behind the scenes: combined heat and power station personnel or the members of staff working at our workshops, in logistics or in IT. The success of ETH depends on each and every one of us. Let’s cut through the formalities and show our true appreciation for one another by using first names. This will allow us to create a stronger sense of community.

Whenever my postdoctoral supervisor uttered the words “I strongly suggest that you …”, I immediately knew that it would be difficult to refuse. On the surface, this appears to be nothing more than an informal suggestion from one colleague to another (although the English personal pronoun “you” actually started life as a polite plural form, making this – strictly speaking – a formal suggestion).

In fact, it is a good example of how language can sometimes mask true meanings. Language can be used to disguise commands as recommendations, make managers look like equals or outsiders seem like friends. As a linguist, I am the last person who would dispute that language has the power to shape reality – but this must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If, for example, you believe that language has the power to eliminate hierarchies, you will probably end up disappointed.

I am not saying that hierarchies and other outmoded ideas of a similar nature, such as formality and distance, are immutable. However, I am convinced that controlling language by forcing people to use the “Du” form is not the right way to go about changing them. ETH is a complex organisation that now has more than 33,000 members. A microcosm such as this provides room for all sorts of social relationships. Managerial authority and anonymity are just as much a reality here as friendly discussions and being able to have a say across hierarchies. The places where the “Du” form is adopted and the manner in which this comes about should not be decided centrally, but by lots of individuals in the context of their own networks. After all, each person knows for themselves whether “Du” is the appropriate personal pronoun for the interaction concerned.

By the way, I am someone who is quick to adopt the “Du” form but occasionally I do prefer “Sie”. To me, it is a sign of honesty and professionalism but it also protects against overfamiliarity. In addition, it is a good way of keeping a person separate from their role, particularly in unpleasant situations. When a relationship involves the “Sie” form, I find it easier to offer criticism and also to accept criticism without taking it personally.

However, the “Sie” form is not just about unpleasant experiences for me. For example, I have very fond memories of a former boss and yet we did not start using the “Du” form for a whole year. My relationship with her was always excellent – but trust and collegiality take time and, sometimes, so does making the switch to “Du”.