ABSTRACT
We laugh, but we are all guilty of using buzzwords. (Test: Have you used the phrase “At the end of the day” lately?) Most buzzwords get old and tired very fast, and though they may be mind numbingly repeated, some are worth integrating into our own usage:
It’s complicated. A perfect phrase to describe everything we now know about business and the universe. These two (or is it three?) simple words can answer any question: How is your love life? Worried about your job? Any luck with your project? How long do you think you will last in this job? The perfect answer that connotes substance but probably more than you need to know: It’s complicated.
Fair enough. Could be a comment, could be an answer, could be a question, and could be filler when no one else is saying anything. Could also mean you are a jerk and know nothing of what you say, but now you’ve said it so, “fair enough.” It hits my list since it crops up often and can be used in so many ways.
Not so much. A perfect description of life in the workplace that sins on the side of negativity without being offensive. Can easily be a proper response to questions like: Hey, do you like your new boss? Are you thinking about retiring on your 401(k) these days? Boy, those people in Washington are doing a good job, huh?
I’m good. The most reassuring phrase out there that, too, has many meanings. When waiting to meet someone, if the receptionist asks if you want a coffee or water, the response can be, “I’m good.” When falling off the roof while cleaning out the gutters and your wife asks if you are okay, the response can be the same, “I’m good.” After a layoff, this is a desired response. A close relative to “I’m good” is “I got it.” Can apply to catching a ball in center field or a way to say, “You don’t have to say any more, I understand.” It’s a good phrase to employ to start doing and stop talking, which is always a good thing.
164New normal. Although way overused, this is a worthy phrase when it comes to reconciling expectations. For most of us, the new normal means the same way it used to be, just with a lot less.
That feels about right. A welcome phrase used in any context, but especially welcome when asking for approval while in the front of a conference room giving a presentation. It implies “we could probably get more data but that won’t make us any smarter so let’s just go ahead, good work.”
Then there are the phrases that will go away soon, and it will be too bad; they are good ones and some of my favorites:Become a fan. I like being a fan of the San Francisco Giants but I don’t want to be a fan of Edna’s scones or every restaurant where I ever had a cup of coffee.
Skill up. I think this means get smarter and more equipped to do your job. Is that new?
Fat content. I don’t need any more reasons to feel guilty. When referring to an organization, there are better ways to describe too many people. Let me enjoy my cheesecake.
Narrow aperture. I think this means focus on the most important things that need to be done. This is another phrase that makes me feel guilty for not paying attention in photography class.
Work today seems to be made up of ambiguous victories and nebulous defeats. Let’s at least make life at work a little more bearable by using words and phrases that make us smile just a little.