Overused Business Buzzwords
Things have been pretty heavy lately with all the beer virus updates. So, I thought it would be a good time to lighten the mood for a quick laugh to distract us all for a minute. Especially since there’s all this talk of a major global recession. So here’s what I’ve been thinking about lately.
I recently went through an RFP, where I heard robust at least 20 times in the course of a two hour-long pitch. I’ve also heard ‘deep dive, next steps, and take this off-line,’ more than I’d like to admit in so many of my meetings.
And by the way, this wasn’t the first time it’s happened.. And I’m pretty sure you’ve been victim to it too. Unfortunately, it seems to be more common than not — and I for one, am not having it!
Not only was it mildly infuriating, it was extremely distracting to hear these terms repeated over and over during a course of a two hour meeting.
I may have adult ADHD, but when I looked around the room and noticed an Executive Director taking a tally, I knew I wasn’t the only one who was irritated.
When I complain, I feel like I should also provide a solution. So, I’ve compiled a list of overused business buzzwords that need to be replaced and ideas around replacements.
Let’s just hope it doesn’t lead us down the same path of over-use! So here’s a blog dedicated to making us all sound a bit smarter, and hopefully help us all regain our sanity in the process.
And if you feel the need to have a quick, short read – then check out #CMM – Category Management Monday’s here. Quick tips in under two minutes, sorted by topic. Don’t miss out!
Buzzwords to Get Rid of:
- Robust
- Take this off line
- Deep dive
- Nugget
- touch base
- circle back
- low hanging fruit
- Key takeaway
- push-back
- Heavy lifting
- Boil the ocean
- Stay aligned
- Skin in the game
- Buy-in
- Pro-active
- Value add
- Band-with
- Next steps
- Move the Needle
- Leverage
- Best Practice
- Synergy
- Action Item
- Bottom Line
- All annoying acronyms – EOD, ROI, etc.
Replacement Buzzwords:
- Hardy, Sturdy, or Vigorous
- Let’s set up time to discuss this later, I’ll follow-up with you on this
- Intensive look
- Morsel, bit, or piece
- chat or quick discussion
- Re-address, take a second look at, Come back to
- No-brainers, cakewalk, or easy options
- Crux of the argument, Key Points, or ultimate conclusion
- Force-back, oppose or rebuke
- Donkey Work or Hard Labor
- Undertake the impossible
- Coordinate
- Stake in the result
- Endorse, Support, or Back
- On-top of, Take Charge
- Enhanced or Upgrade
- Maxium available or total capability
- Next phase, follow-up
- Shift the situation, make a difference or alter the situation
- Utilize, make use of, harness, or exert influence
- Ideal, Industry Standard
- Union, unity, harmony
- task, duty, role
- Final result, ultimate outcome, main point or essence
- Just say them!
Corporate Calls – Remote Buzzword Bingo
Oh, and this is nothing new, but I thought it would help lighten the mood, to have a couple of new ‘work from home’ type bingo cards. I thought the pandemic bingo was the best, given the changes we’ve all had to make.
This is all despite what guidance I’ve been given. If we are stuck at home, what’s the worst that can come from a little bingo score card?
Especially, when you start the day with your keyboard not working on your laptop, the inability to see your desktop and a multitude of other IT issues! Thank god for remote IT support!!
Want an external view, check out this article: Corporate Buzzwords Are How Workers Pretend to Be Adults
