Many people working in large companies speak business-buzzwords as a second language. Business language is full of pretty meaningless words. I Don’t Understand What Anyone Is Saying Anymore article tells that the language of internet business models has made the problem even worse. There are several strains of this epidemic: We have forgotten how to use the real names of real things, acronymitis, and Meaningless Expressions (like “Our goal is to exceed the customer’s expectation”). This would all be funny if it weren’t true. Observe it, deconstruct it, and appreciate just how ridiculous most business conversation has become.
Check out this brilliant Web Economy Bullshit Generator page. It generates random bullshit text based on the often used words in business language. And most of the material it generates look something you would expect from IT executives and their speechwriters (those are randomly generated with Web Economy Bullshit Generator):
“scale viral web services”
“integrate holistic mindshare”
“transform back-end solutions”
“incentivize revolutionary portals”
“synergize out-of-the-box platforms”
“enhance world-class schemas”
“aggregate revolutionary paradigms”
“enable cross-media relationships”
How to talk like a CIO article tries to tell how do CIOs talk, and what do they talk about, and why they do it like they do it. It sometimes makes sense to analyze the speaking and comportment styles of the people who’ve already climbed the corporate ladder if you want to do the same.
The Most Annoying, Pretentious And Useless Business Jargon article tells that the stupid business talk is longer solely the province of consultants, investors and business-school types, this annoying gobbledygook has mesmerized the rank and file around the globe. The next time you feel the need to reach out, touch base, shift a paradigm, leverage a best practice or join a tiger team, by all means do it. Just don’t say you’re doing it. If you have to ask why, chances are you’ve fallen under the poisonous spell of business jargon. Jargon masks real meaning. The Most Annoying, Pretentious And Useless Business Jargon article has a cache of expressions to assiduously avoid (if you look out you will see those used way too many times in business documents and press releases).
Is Innovation the Most Abused Word In Business? article tells that most of what is called innovation today is mere distraction, according to a paper by economist Robert Gordon. Innovation is the most abused word in tech. The iPad is about as innovative as the toaster. You can still read books without an iPad, and you can still toast bread without a toaster. True innovation radically alters the way we interact with the world. But in tech, every little thing is called “innovative.” If you were to believe business grads then “innovation” includes their “ideas” along the lines of “a website like *only better*” or “that thing which everyone is already doing but which I think is my neat new idea” Whether or not the word “innovation” has become the most abused word in the business context, that remains to be seen. “Innovation” itself has already been abused by the patent trolls.
Using stories to catch ‘smart-talk’ article tells that smart-talk is information without understanding, theory without practice – ‘all mouth and no trousers’, as the old aphorism puts it. It’s all too common amongst would-be ‘experts’ – and likewise amongst ‘rising stars’ in management and elsewhere. He looks the part; he knows all the right buzzwords; he can quote chapter-and-verse from all the best-known pundits and practitioners. But is it all just empty ‘smart-talk’? Even if unintentional on their part, people who indulge in smart-talk can be genuinely dangerous. They’ll seem plausible enough at first, but in reality they’ll often know just enough to get everyone into real trouble, but not enough to get out of it again. Smart-talk is the bane of most business – and probably of most communities too. So what can we do to catch it?
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Tomi Engdahl says:
The Death Of Brand Loyalty: Cultural Shifts Mean It’s Gone Forever
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathleenkusek/2016/07/25/the-death-of-brand-loyalty-cultural-shifts-mean-its-gone-forever/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#6d616c6f7269
Tomi Engdahl says:
It’s really “a mindfulness practice that’s disguised as a productivity system,” Carroll told me of the Bullet Journal concept.
5 Reasons Why Non-Digital Time Management Is More Productive
https://www.forbes.com/sites/timmaurer/2017/02/08/5-reasons-why-non-digital-time-management-is-more-productive/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#209420de628c
Tomi Engdahl says:
6 Words You Need To Eliminate From Your Professional Vocabulary
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2015/12/20/6-words-you-need-to-eliminate-from-your-professional-vocabulary/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#6cfbf9554faa
Tomi Engdahl says:
How To Negotiate With A Bully
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandradickinson/2017/05/18/how-to-negotiate-with-a-bully/
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to make professional connections at a social event
https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-network-at-social-event
Tomi Engdahl says:
This Script Can Stop A Micromanaging Boss
https://www.forbes.com/sites/markmurphy/2015/12/06/this-script-can-stop-a-micromanaging-boss/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://staffbase.com/blog/11-ideas-how-to-rethink-internal-communication/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=nordics_lal-blog
Tomi Engdahl says:
If Your Boss Shows These 4 Signs, Head For The Hills
https://www.forbes.com/sites/victorlipman/2017/06/07/if-your-boss-shows-these-4-signs-head-for-the-hills/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#38a61f713699
data consistently shows only around 30% of employees are strongly committed to their companies.
I’ve distilled it to four regrettably common types of dysfunction. So here we go — these highly ineffective managers
Tomi Engdahl says:
Ten Things Never, Ever To Put In Your LinkedIn Profile
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2018/02/14/ten-things-never-ever-to-put-in-your-linkedin-profile/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#9de4c0d35e64
Tomi Engdahl says:
Capitalism Is Good for the Poor
https://fee.org/articles/capitalism-is-good-for-the-poor/
Nothing has done more to lift humanity out of poverty than the market economy.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Never Send A ‘Follow-Up’ Email: If You Want Answers, Do This Instead
https://www.forbes.com/sites/averyblank/2017/06/22/never-send-a-follow-up-email-if-you-want-answers-do-this-instead/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#3f13784916f7
Sending and receiving a follow-up email can be annoying. The sender wishes they did not have to write the email, and the recipient hates to get one. You are either frustrated because you have not gotten an answer or reminded that you have one more thing to do. It’s a lose-lose situation
Tomi Engdahl says:
Ten Signs Your Boss Is A Manager — But Not A Leader
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2017/04/01/ten-signs-your-boss-is-a-manager-but-not-a-leader/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#36d6edf0487c
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Six Worst Ways To Brand Yourself
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2017/03/23/the-six-worst-ways-to-brand-yourself/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#7bd8012f3c59
“When someone is looking for a job, they want to stand out. They aren’t sure how to do that, so they say things like ‘I’m the Best Technical Salesperson in Chicago!’”
Calling yourself the best salesperson around, the top attorney in your field, the leading digital marketer in your city or the greatest cost accountant ever to live is a very poor branding choice.
Here are all six of the worst possible personal-branding choices.
• Calling yourself a guru, mogul, maven or expert
• Zombie branding
• Trophies
• The best/the one/the only
• My Tasks, My Skills
• Disruptor, catalyst, change agent
Tomi Engdahl says:
5 Things Your LinkedIn Profile Reveals About You That You Don’t Want It To
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2018/01/13/5-things-your-linkedin-profile-reveals-about-you-that-you-dont-want-it-to/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#ff0007c4f27f
if you’re not careful, your LinkedIn profile shares aspects of your professional life and how you view yourself that you won’t want others to know.
Tomi Engdahl says:
10 ways to have better conversations
https://enterprisersproject.com/article/2019/7/leadership-10-tips-better-conversations?sc_cid=70160000001273HAAQ
What message do your words send, leaders? Improve your communication skills every day with these conversation tips
Tomi Engdahl says:
Is Building A Personal Brand Actually Worth It?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephanieburns/2019/06/06/is-building-a-personal-brand-actually-worth-it/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#6d616c6f7269
Your customers want to buy from an authentic person they can relate to, instead of an unapproachable, unrelatable business person or logo. The internet is responsible for this market shift, as social media provides consumers with a more intimate look behind the scenes of a company. This has lead to customers placing preference in personal brands, and this is why you’ve probably heard personal brands like Gary Vaynerchuk preach the importance of building yours.
However, it’s no secret that building a wildly successful personal brand like billionaire Kylie Jenner, Richard Branson, or Oprah requires a significant amount of hard work, time and energy. You need to factor in the amount of content you’ll need to produce and publish on a regular basis, the commitment to showing up online and nurturing an audience, and the dedication to sharing parts of your life you may have never planned to.
Pro: Your Business Will Gain A Competitive Edge
The good news is if you are the face of your business, building your personal brand will give you the competitive edge you need to stand out.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Pro: Your Business Will Gain A Competitive Edge
Pro: You Become More Visible Online
Con: Prepare For Criticism (and learn how to handle it)
Pro: You Can Build & Leverage Relationships With Other Well-Known Brands
Bonus Pro: Your Career Will Become Stronger
https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephanieburns/2019/06/06/is-building-a-personal-brand-actually-worth-it/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#6d616c6f7269
Tomi Engdahl says:
Why Great Employees Quit — Instead Of Admitting They’re Unhappy
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2018/05/14/why-great-employees-quit-instead-of-admitting-theyre-unhappy/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#6d616c6f7269
I’m down in the dumps this week because Josh gave notice. It came out of the blue. Never once has he mentioned that he’s unhappy. When I asked him why he’s leaving, he said, “I got an offer I couldn’t refuse.” What a cliche! I was disappointed that Josh wouldn’t be more honest with me.
Josh may have tried to tell you that something was bothering him. He may have tried to bring up the topic a few times without getting any traction. Or, he may have decided that it was less stressful for him to give notice than to bring up his issue with you.
Don’t be upset with Josh about that. Look in the mirror, instead. There might be a great learning opportunity for you. You like Josh a lot. Why didn’t he feel comfortable talking with you? Had he seen you pooh-poohing or discounting other employees’ concerns in the past?
If he had a problem on the job and he felt that the problem could have been solved by talking with you, he would have done it.
Evidently he didn’t feel that way. Ask yourself why not. It’s easy to get mad at people who frustrate and disappoint us. It’s harder to ask ourselves, “What can I learn from his painful experience?”
Tomi Engdahl says:
How ‘ghost work’ in Silicon Valley pressures the workforce, with Mary Gray
https://techcrunch.com/2019/08/16/how-ghost-work-in-silicon-valley-pressures-the-workforce-with-mary-gray/?tpcc=ECFB2019
context of unrealistic expectations about people’s labor
Gray coined the term “ghost work,” as in the title of their extraordinarily important 2019 book, Ghost Work: How to Stop Silicon Valley from Building a New Global Underclass.
Ghost Work is a name for a rising new category of employment that involves people scheduling, managing, shipping, billing, etc. “through some combination of an application programming interface, APIs, the internet and maybe a sprinkle of artificial intelligence,” Gray told me earlier this summer. But what really distinguishes ghost work (and makes Mary’s scholarship around it so important) is the way it is presented and sold to the end consumer as artificial intelligence and the magic of computation.
Ghost Work’s purpose, as I understand it, is to elevate the value of what the computers are doing (a minority of the work) and make us forget, as much as possible, about the actual messy human beings contributing to the services we use. Well, except for the founders, and maybe the occasional COO.
But if working people are supposed to be ghosts, then when they speak up or otherwise make themselves visible, they are “haunting” us.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Say These 7 Words When Employees Bring You Their Problems
https://www.forbes.com/sites/markmurphy/2018/08/19/say-these-7-words-when-employees-bring-you-their-problems/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#6d616c6f7269
The best response to our employee’s problem is a simple seven words:
What’s your plan for solving this issue?
So not only does asking employees “what’s your plan for solving this issue?” empower them, it also creates much greater trust between boss and employee. Plus, when the employee brings a problem, if a boss blames or enfeebles the employee, what are the chances that the employee will continue to discuss problems? Probably slim to none. And when employees stop bringing problems, leaders tend to get fired.
Finally, there may be times when an employee truly has no response when you ask, “what’s your plan for solving this issue?” And if that’s the case, you can certainly provide some help and guidance. But again, be careful of so dominating the conversation that the employee doesn’t develop the kind of critical thinking, innovation, problem-solving and resilience skills that will enable them to solve future problems.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Did you know you can build your own speaker systems? Muffsy creator shares how he got into making open audio hardware and why he started selling his designs to other DIYers. https://red.ht/2KInqqU
Designing open audio hardware as DIY kits
https://opensource.com/article/19/8/open-audio-kit-developer?sc_cid=7016000000127ECAAY
Did you know you can build your own speaker systems? Muffsy creator shares how he got into making open audio hardware and why he started selling his designs to other DIYers.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Four Most Important Words In Leadership
https://www.forbes.com/sites/rasmushougaard/2018/06/23/the-four-most-important-words-in-leadership/
After some discussion, President Eisenhower turned to Bill Jr. and asked, “What do you think?”
Undaunted, Bill Jr. suggested they stay inside and enjoy the fire. But the encounter stuck with him. The fact the most powerful person in the world asked for his opinion inculcated the importance of hearing varied views and gaining consensus.
Through assessing tens of thousands of leader surveys and interviewing hundreds of C-suite executives, my colleagues at Potential Project and I have discovered that this simple question embodies three imperatives of exceptional leadership: break the leadership bubble, show true humility, and see others as equals.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Ten Bad Habits That Are Killing Your Credibility
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2018/06/24/ten-bad-habits-that-are-killing-your-credibility/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#6d616c6f7269
“What awful thing am I doing without realizing it?”
Brenda said, “You apologize way too often. You apologize when there’s nothing to apologize for. You use the word ‘sorry’ as a filler in almost every conversation. It’s confusing. People don’t understand why you apologize all the time. You don’t need to do it. It’s hurting your credibility.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
Ten Things You Deserve From Your Job — Besides A Paycheck
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2017/01/19/ten-things-you-deserve-from-your-job-besides-a-paycheck/
Here in the U.S., employment laws do not require employers to provide all of these things to employees. Employers have to follow laws concerning wages and hours, and they have to provide a safe workplace. Most of the items on the list above aren’t addressed by employment laws.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinebeaton/2016/05/12/millennials-this-is-why-you-havent-been-promoted/
Tomi Engdahl says:
4 Things You Must Remove From Your LinkedIn Profile
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2017/07/27/4-things-you-must-remove-from-your-linkedin-profile/
Tomi Engdahl says:
7 Ways To Make Your Manager Your Biggest Fan
https://www.forbes.com/sites/joefolkman/2018/01/19/7-ways-to-make-your-manager-your-biggest-fan/
Managers typically want their employees to be effective at everything.
The following seven behaviors are those that managers value most:
1. Strategic Perspective. Many people think it’s the manager’s responsibility to be clear about the strategy of the organization
2. Be A Champion Of Change. Managers need people to accept change, and are often frustrated by those who resist it. Have the courage to try new things
3. Keep Your Manager Informed. Managers need to be well informed about their employees’ work and potential problems that may exist.
4. Show Some Energy And Be An Inspiration. Mood matters a lot at work. Just like the flu, the mood can spread to others—research has shown that even a person’s happiness is contagious. Cynics or pessimists are less likable.
5. Take Initiative And Deliver On Your Commitments. Be the direct report that sees the mess and cleans it up. When there is an unexpected problem, fix it. When you are behind schedule on your work, stay late and catch up. Be willing to move mountains to deliver on commitments.
6. Be A Problem Solver. When some people encounter a problem, they stop what they were doing and take the problem to their manager to solve. Managers love direct reports that can anticipate potential problems.
7. Be A Trusted Team Member. Have you ever been part of a team where you loved to come to work, enjoyed being with your fellow team members, and the team was highly productive? Conversely, have you ever been part of a team where you hated coming to work, there was conflict, and it was hard to get work accomplished?
Tomi Engdahl says:
10 Ways To Spot A Truly Exceptional Employee
https://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2016/02/09/10-ways-to-spot-a-truly-exceptional-employee/
A recent international study surveyed more than 500 business leaders and asked them what sets great employees apart. The researchers wanted to know why some people are more successful than others at work, and the answers were surprising; leaders chose “personality” as the leading reason.
Notably, 78% of leaders said personality sets great employees apart, more than cultural fit (53%) and even an employee’s skills (39%).
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2017/02/28/4-things-you-really-need-to-delete-from-your-linkedin-profile-today/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Emotional intelligence: 5 tips for reporting to a younger boss
https://enterprisersproject.com/article/2019/7/emotional-intelligence-how-to-report-to-younger-boss
Tomi Engdahl says:
9 Ways To Show Your People You Value Them
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2017/11/08/9-ways-to-show-your-people-you-value-them/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#5931966828a0
Tomi Engdahl says:
Forget Networking: Relationship Building Is The Best Career Shortcut
https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelleyzalis/2018/02/23/forget-networking-relationship-building-is-the-best-career-shortcut/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#41802313bf7d
Forget networking and embrace relationships. There is power in relationships that extends beyond a generic introduction. When you create connections based on shared interests and goals, you’ll be more successful at your job, because people want to work with people they know and like.
Tomi Engdahl says:
How To Spend Your Working Day Wisely And Actually Get Things Done
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryancollinseurope/2018/08/21/how-to-spend-your-working-day-wisely-and-actually-get-things-done/
The CEO of a Fortune 500 company with an overloaded schedule and a college graduate procrastinating about starting a business each get 168 hours per week to spend as they see fit.
Like our favorite Navy seal, Franklin rose about 05:00 a.m. and worked on what he valued most first thing. Typically he started each day by asking himself, “What good shall I do this day?”
In the late evening, Franklin put things back where they belonged and reviewed how his day went. He also reflected on his accomplishments or failures.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Digital Transformation: How to Create an Intelligent Company
https://martinhiesboeck.com/2018/08/09/digital-transformation-how-to-create-an-intelligent-company/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.nitor.com/fi/uutiset-ja-blogi/lego-scrum-simulaatio-avasi-aallon-oppilaille-ketteran-toiminnan-salaisuuksia
Tomi Engdahl says:
Ten People You Need To Have In Your Professional Network
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecenizalevine/2017/03/05/ten-people-you-need-to-have-in-your-professional-network/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Ten Things Never, Ever To Do — Unless You’re Getting Paid
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2018/06/12/ten-things-never-ever-to-do-unless-youre-getting-paid/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#6d616c6f7269
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Secrets To Keeping Employees Engaged And Productive
https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelcyvjoseph/2019/08/15/the-secrets-to-keeping-employees-engaged-and-productive/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Turn Strangers Into Friends With 8 Great Questions From Harvard
https://www.forbes.com/sites/remyblumenfeld/2019/08/18/8-top-networking-questions-from-harvard-business-review/
Tomi Engdahl says:
How To Answer ‘Why Do You Want To Leave Your Job?’
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2017/05/10/how-to-answer-why-do-you-want-to-leave-your-job-2/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#2412429f43fb
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/amberjohnson-jimludema/2018/04/05/five-questions-you-can-ask-instead-of-how-are-you/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#66d8701f9683
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2017/01/31/eight-bad-habits-you-must-break-to-be-more-productive/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#552b05ae4199
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ianaltman/2017/03/11/how-to-spot-an-all-time-favorite-irreplaceable-employee/
Tomi Engdahl says:
7 Easy Ways To Instantly Gain Respect At Work, No Matter Your Position
https://www.forbes.com/sites/averyblank/2017/05/16/7-easy-ways-to-instantly-gain-respect-at-work-no-matter-your-position/
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Future Is Bleak For American Workers In The Obamas’ New Netflix Film ‘American Factory’
http://on.forbes.com/6182E4B2r
Tomi Engdahl says:
57 Ways To Sign Off On An Email
https://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2013/09/27/57-ways-to-sign-off-on-an-email/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#4d2aab0825d0
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinecomaford/2018/07/21/when-and-how-to-speak-up-in-the-workplace/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#6d616c6f7269
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2017/07/14/ten-things-outstanding-job-candidates-do-differently/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#fa659a9142a6
Tomi Engdahl says:
3 Basic Email Mistakes That Make You Look Really Unprofessional
https://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2016/03/03/3-basic-email-mistakes-that-make-you-look-really-unprofessional/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Why Millennials Are Struggling With Mental Health At Work
https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahlandrum/2017/01/17/why-millennials-are-struggling-with-mental-health-at-work/
Americans do not take mental health seriously enough. According to the NIMH, as many as 45% of mental health cases go untreated in this country, at a total potential cost of $147 billion per year.
What is controversial — or at least uncomfortable — is the idea that millennials suffer from more mental health issues than any previous generation.
Millennials report depression in higher numbers than any previous generation, according to Mashable, at 20%, or one in five. The runners-up are baby boomers and generation X, with 16% apiece.