A collection of the business buzzwords and overused expressions you'll hear most often in corporate environments. Learn what they actually mean — and when to use them without making people roll their eyes.
📚 Key vocabulary synergy — the concept that combining two or more elements produces a greater result than the sum of their individual effects bandwidth (figurative) — a person's or team's capacity to take on additional work or responsibilities deep dive — a thorough and detailed examination of a particular topic, problem, or project low-hanging fruit — tasks or opportunities that are easily achievable and can produce quick, visible results move the needle — to make a noticeable or meaningful difference to a metric, goal, or outcome thought leader — an individual recognized as an authority and innovator in a specific field or industry leverage (verb) — to use an existing resource, asset, or advantage to maximize results circle back — to return to a topic or conversation at a later time after initial discussion value-add — something that provides additional benefit or worth beyond what is normally expected agility — the ability of an organization to respond quickly and effectively to changes in the market or environment
READY TO PRACTICE? LET’S GO!
Choose the correct response to complete each sentence.
1. You have really got to hit the ____________________, Matt (meaning: start working hard immediately). There is no time to waste!
Correct answer: ground running.
2. Moving _____________________, (meaning: in the future) you'll be in charge of this project.
Correct answer: forward.
3. Mary, I don't feel like we're on the _____________________ here.