Over the last couple of years, a phrase has popped up that makes me uncomfortable every time I hear it.
The phrase is “high-quality people.”
I’ve heard it most often in a business setting, referring to the types of workers who leaders want to attract and retain. But a quick search reveals the phrase being used by developers, talking about the folks they are hoping will move into their neighborhoods, and by people looking for love through apps and other dating sites, among other examples.
One problem with a term like “high-quality people” is that it presumes the speaker and the listener agree on what that means. And, of course, it implies by its existence that there are “low-quality people.”
Leaving the profound subjectivity of “high-quality” aside for a moment, I suggest that instead of the noun “people,” the speaker might use something more descriptive and specific. How about “high-quality professionals” or “high-quality workers”?
But even better, why not just say what we mean? If you want an employee who is reliable, has integrity, and shows initiative, say that. If you want to attract people to the neighborhood who will keep their lawns mowed and their fences repaired, say that. If you want to date someone who makes you feel special and pays for your meals, say that. A phrase like “high-quality people” is so ambiguous and yet divisive as to be useless.
