I've just about had it with catch-phrases, euphemisms, and stupid ways of saying simple things. Why is it that the higher up the corporate ladder, the more difficult it becomes to just SAY THINGS NORMALLY?
There are so many to choose from, some old, some new. A few on my current and on-going hit list include:
SHARING. "I want to share something with you." Well you damn well better have a cookie in your pocket. Otherwise, shut up and go blather to someone else.
Here's an oldie but a goldie: CAREFRONTATION. Because I want to say something really rather rude to you, but I figure you're stupid so if I pretend I give a shit while I'm saying it, you might actually thank me when I finally shut up.
For that matter, CONFRONT. Why does everyone think they need to "confront" someone about everything. I guess just talking won't cut it.
OUTSIDE THE BOX. "Old Roy over there in corporate, man, he's really thinking outside the box". Anyone who uses this lame phrase should just shut up. Because it's not in the least innovative or creative.
Here's a new one: ONBOARD. People don't get hired anymore, did you realize this? Nope. They get onboarded. Can I get a ticket to Mexico during the onboarding process? No? Then shut up.
SUMMIT. It's a stupid, boring meeting. Shut up.
BEST PRACTICES. I'm beginning to think that perhaps 10% of the people who use this phrase might have a remote idea of what it actually means. The other 90% are talking about policies (good or bad), or are simply applying the phrase to whatever it is that THEY are doing. Shut up if you don't understand what it means.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. You are a secretary. I was a secretary, a pretty good secretary at that. But I was smart enough to know that getting the new title of Administrative Assistant was in lieu of a damn pay increase.
STAYCATION. How sweet. You're too damn broke to leave town.
ACTION ITEMS. This used to be called the to-do list. Nice and simple, shit you have to do. We peons still have to-do lists; corporate has an action list.
PUSH BACK. Christ on a rope. You're just disagreeing! I'd suggest you duck if you start with any actual pushing around me.
WINDSHIELD TIME. What the hell? It's driving in your car. It's the time you spend driving to the stupid summits to hear about onboarding. Shut up.
Outside the box....it has gotten to the point I want to strangle people when they say that one, and I've heard it 10 too many times just recently.
ReplyDeleteI didn't mean to post as anonymous, I had to... this is Karen...I just couldn't figure out how else to do it. I'm not very good with all of these URLs and accounts and user names, etc.
ReplyDeleteI am a secretary, and just fine with that word too!!
ReplyDeleteWhat about being a "team player"?? Or step up to the plate?? Those drive me up a wall too!!!