2012’s List of 10 Bungled Business Phrases to Banish – Part II

By Wayne Mates

Last week I posted the first five bungled business phrases (link).  This is the rest of the list to be banished this year.  See if you recognize yourself using these phrases.

• Going Forward – Now here is a silly term, along with from this point forward.  How many times have you heard this in a meeting?  “Going forward we will………”  How many people in a business environment would consider going sideways?  Why not just state what you want and leave these terms in your rearview mirror?
• Socialize – This word has replaced the even more ridiculous “Let’s run it up the flagpole and see who salutes.”  If you want someone’s opinion or support for an idea, just say so and ask for it.
• Pre-plan – Hmmm.  Why not plan to pre-plan while you are at it?
• Drill down – Along with “peel back the onion”, this term needs to go.  It evokes visions of sitting in the dentist’s chair and has no use in the business world. Whatever happened to supporting evidence or assumptions or evidence?
• Out of Pocket – Overused in place of unavailable.  And, how does one fit into one’s pocket.  When you are in your pocket, couldn’t you be hiding?  Visions of tiny people hiding in my pocket waiting to jump out and disappear?  That leaves no room for the pocket protector!

There you have it. 10 phrases to eradicate from your language.  Don’t be lulled into thinking the use of these phrases make you smart or cool.  A good command of vocabulary is much better.  Work on being and sounding smart.  It will serve you in the short and long term.

Links to other relevant posts:

Banish These 10 Bungled Business Words and Phrases

Banish These 10 Business Phrases Forever!!

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