Truly, “all the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players”. We wear different hats depending on the situation we are in. The same applies to how we speak and write, specifically in the workplace.
Think about the last meeting you attended or the last email you received. Some of what is said and written, thankfully, gets to the point of the matter. But sometimes it is peppered with clumsily adopted metaphors and phrases that only make sense with members of your team – if at all.
Challenge takes a look at the world of bureaucratese and business gobbledygook that can feel awkward or not make much sense when we really think about it. Some of these might be upsetting, so buckle up!
Bandwidth: In the world of electronics, this means a range of frequencies within a given band to transmit a signal. When used in relation to people, it describes one’s capacity (or lack thereof) to do things. Makes you wonder at which point you turned into a cyborg.
Boil the ocean: To undertake an impossible task or project or make something unnecessarily difficult. Although given the recent Gulf of Mexico fire, boiling the ocean might not be so far-fetched anymore.
Discussed about: This is a grammatical issue akin to “shared about”. You just discuss or share. There’s no need for “about”. For example, “Sam discussed/shared the problems related to the project” is the right form.
“Sam discussed/shared about the problems related to the project” is not.
FYI: For Your Information, sometimes used in both conversations and emails. But isn’t that what the CC and BCC in emails are for, especially if it means you do not have to take any action? However, this might also depend on your organisation’s email culture and conventions. What is yours?
Going forward: Depending on the situation and how it’s used, it can be somewhat of a casual reminder that someone has messed up, and needs to be reminded before everyone can move on.