A Definition of Terms
During regular searching around the internet, I’ve noticed some confusion over the exact definition of many terms that we use when communicating with people - particularly when senior management or corporations get involved.
So in an attempt to ’set the record straight’ and be ‘proactive’ I present here some definitions and explanation of some of the more frequently used (and abused) management terms and buzzwords for your enlightenment, comment and enjoyment, starting with ‘A’:
‘Acronym’
(a) A phrase formed with the initial letters of other words, used as an abbreviation.
(b) Indecipherable terms to those not ‘in the know’, causing the reader to have feelings of alienation and stupidity.
Here’s an example from a Case Study in Stakeholder Management. Really:
“Although the TEMP and the ILSP could be taken to the IPR in draft format, it was necessary that the ROC… be approved”.
Are we all clear on that?
‘Action Items’
(a) Items on a meeting agenda that need to be done by somebody.
(b) Issues that nobody wanted to take responsibility for from the last meeting, and will therefore be postponed until the next meeting.
‘ASAP’
(a) As Soon As Possible.
(b) Stop everything else that you’re doing and deal with this right now; even though I know that there will be some delays. This allows me to blame you for not getting the task done ‘ASAP’. And even if you actually manage to do the task really quickly, I’ll still be unhappy as I needed it sooner.
‘At the end of the day’
No, not 5.30pm.
(a) The final analysis.
(b) A nice sounding management phrase typically uttered as a conclusion to a nonsensical corporate policy or decision (”… at the end of the day we’ll all be better off, as the bottom line will improve”).
‘Avoidance’
(a) A risk-management strategy.
(b) A survival strategy when the boss is looking for someone to give an Action-Item to. Typically involves mingling in large groups, using emergency exits, or even running away.