Some of these words are important and need to be understood and used regularly to demonstrate competency and awareness.
Other words are simply jargon that are used in an attempt to demonstrate competence, but in reality end up clogging conversations, meetings, and other forms of communication with extra words.
Here are a few of my "favorites."
Stakeholder - an important term that is used to recognize the people who are interested in certain issues, projects, or organizations.
Unfortunately, this perfectly good word is so overused that I get hungry when I hear it...
Fork + Knife = Steak Holder
Synergy - a word that is intended to demonstrate the power of working together. However, this too is so overused I find myself wondering....
Who actually goes home at the end of the day and says "we created so much synergy today!"
No one.
Straw Man - a wonderful concept that should ignite a productive brainstorming session on a certain topic, idea or initiative.
However, never in my life, prior to moving to the consulting side of life, did I ever use the term straw man in my corporate roles....the only thing that comes to mind for me is...
The Wizard of Oz.
How About You
Which words do you love to use, but actually kick off an avalanche of eye rolls around the conference room table?
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
Great post, Jay! In business, we use jargon so that we don't have to think beyond a superficial level. We use jargon so that are accepted as equal to, or superior to, out teams and peers. Let's start being authentic. Let's start communicating on a personal level so that we are clear. Let's commit to stop using overused jargon such as, "break down the silos," "drink the Kool-aid," and, my personal favorite, "it is what it is."
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