Corporate Buzzwords/Jargon 2
Practice recognising and using common corporate buzzwords. These are the expressions that populate every meeting room, strategy deck, and company-wide email in English-speaking workplaces.
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Choose the correct response to complete each sentence.
1. Let's all meet and get our _______________________. (meaning: make sure we're well organized/efficient)
Correct answer: ducks in a row.
2. Paul, _______________________ me (meaning: contact me) next week about the sales report.
Correct answer: ping.
3. That is a promising idea. Let us ____________________ and show it to upper management.
Correct answer: run it up the flagpole.
4. The corporate term for tasks that need to be completed is ____________________.
Correct answer: action items.
5. To ____________________ means to return to a topic or discussion later.
Correct answer: circle back.
6. A team that anticipates problems and acts before they occur is described as ____________________.
Correct answer: proactive.
7. In the modern business world, people aren't used, they're _______________________.
Correct answer: leveraged.
8. In many corporate environments, people are described not as people but as ____________________.
Correct answer: resources.
9. Let's put that in the _______________________. = Let's not worry about that right now.
Correct answer: parking lot.
10. You have to take _______________________ of this process. (meaning: You are responsible for this process)
Correct answer: ownership.
📚 Important Words to Know
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
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
▶ Keep practicing — more exercises for you:
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