Junk the Business Jargon say British Managers

19th December 2006

Does the concept of ‘blue sky thinking’ just make you want to raise your eyes to heaven? If so your thinking is in line with a new nationwide survey, which reveals that more than two thirds of UK managers find jargon in the work place ‘pretentious and annoying’.

The survey of more than 200 managers was undertaken by top training company PTP Training & Marketing Ltd. It found that 67% of managers are turned off by business jargon and only 5% of respondents believe it has advantages and consider it to be ‘upbeat and motivational’. Those who are in favour say they find it humorous and think that it can be a useful and quick reference in a work environment. However the more popular view is that business jargon confuses and tries to make those who use it appear more interesting and knowledgeable than they are. Most agree that it is only acceptable when used sparingly and as long as everyone understands its meaning.

Despite a general dislike of business jargon, almost half the sample (47%) say they come into contact with it on a daily basis and a further quarter on a weekly basis. Only one percent say they never come across business jargon in the office. And the trend looks set to continue with 77% of managers believing that its use will increase over the next five years.

However jargon appears to be limited to certain departments and among certain hierarchies. The worst offenders are those in sales closely followed by those in marketing – who together polled over 70% of the vote of likely jargon users. IT came in third position ahead of HR and Finance. And it is the senior and mid tier managers who are most likely to drop the jargon into conversation. The higher-level rankings of managing directors and partners together with lower level junior and trainee managers generally avoid its use.

PTP’s managing director Marc Holland believes that the use of business jargon can be motivational but people must be careful how they use it. He comments:

“Much business jargon is derived from America where the attitude is seen to be upbeat and positive. It can therefore have a rousing affect on staff and should ideally inject a ‘can do’ approach. However this approach often backfires and business jargon can alienate the audience and confuse people if they do not understand the reference.

“Our survey also showed that a large number of people are embarrassed to ask what the jargon means and this lack of understanding can lead to a breakdown in communication. Users should ensure that any jargon they introduce into a discussion has clear meaning and everybody understands it – or is singing from the same hymn sheet! When used sensibly, business jargon can be a good motivational tool.”

Top Ten Most Creative Business Jargon Sayings as provided by British managers surveyed by PTP :

1. Seagull managing = Managers who fly in, dump on you and disappear before you notice.
2. Having a colonic = Dumping out all your ideas
3. Put that idea in the car park with the engine running = we’ll talk about it later
4. Blamestorming = Getting together to decide who to blame when it all goes wrong
5. Get our ducks in a row = getting ready and organised. But beware of the “Duck Shuffler” – the person who moves in at the last minute to mess it all up
6. Feed that one to the monkeys = not your best idea
7. Can it wash it’s own face? = is it financially viable?
8. Stretching the envelope = pushing the boundaries
9. Get the moose on the table = time to discuss the really tricky issue
10. Sweat the assets = make sure you get the most out of anything we’ve had to pay for

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