10 worst

[sting]

Taken from MSN this morning

I see these here a lot!

In January 2009, YouGov published its list of the 10 worst business sayings. Some I more than agreed with ("thinking outside of the box," "blue-sky thinking," "heads up"); some didn't bug me too much ("at the end of the day," "going forward," "credit crunch"). But it also got me thinking about my own version of the 10 worst business sayings.

Consequently, I compiled my own list, complete with definitions and -- most importantly -- the reasons they were included.

The first three top my list for their gross factor, pure and simple. Why? Because regardless of the people or situation in question, I've found that the overt or indirect referencing of bodily functions in a business environment gets me down.

1. Pick your brain: Substituted when someone simply wants to ask you something.

"Do you mind if I just pick your brain?"

2. Throw it against the wall and see what sticks: Often used to describe a haphazard approach to presenting a motley product line, batch of ideas, etc. "Well, let's just throw these against the wall and see what sticks."

3. Sweat equity: Offered up when asking people to give their time and talent, and payment is not available. "We can't pay you your rate now, but -- when we do start making money -- you'll definitely have sweat equity."

The next three were included because of their cliché factor. Like "thinking outside the box" and "blue-sky thinking," their overuse means they no longer catch our attention.

4. It's not rocket science: Used most often when pointing out to someone that the task he's been asked to complete isn't, in fact, complicated. "After all, it's not rocket science."

5. The ball's in your court: This phrase is usually thrown around (pun intended) to let others know that you've reached your limit with regard to handling a situation. "I've now done everything I can. After this, the ball's in your court."

6. Drill down: This is too often used to denote the vigor with which a person or team will be pursuing an objective. "Yes, Bob and I are really going to drill down on that."

The following three made my list thanks to their redundancy:

7. I, personally: Since something that is said by you is, by definition, personal, I see no need to include both words. For example, when you take the "personally" out of the following sentence, the meaning doesn't change. "Well, I, personally, don't think that X should take precedence over Y."

8. Quite unique (and its compatriots "very unique," "really unique" and "most unique"): Despite the fact that things that are unique can't be qualified, I see this all the time. "Our store has the most unique items." Um ... no. You can, however, say, "Our store is filled with unique items." I have no trouble with that.

9. Past history: This one drives me wild every time I hear it, "Well, based on past history ..." History is, by definition, something that occurred in the past, so why on earth say "past"?

And, finally, the most overused phrase in a business context:

10. Urgent (and its frequent companion "crisis"): I include these because, as I'm sure you've discovered, the use of either, or both, of these words does little to resolve what might be going on. Instead, they either ratchet up the tension or make others wonder why you are so out of control. What do I recommend you use instead? I would substitute the use of "immediate" for "urgent," and "situation" for "crisis," as both convey the need for action but leave others room to bring their own skills and intelligence to bear -- while reflecting well on your own.
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[JimmyCracksCorn]

I concur, sir. I believe my team and I will take a look at the raw data, and Bob and I will drill down on the urgent crisis, in an attempt to create a very unique solution, that is indeed outside the box. Furthermore, I, personally, will expect my team to throw every idea against the wall, seeing what sticks, while blue-skying all thoughts in an effort to place the ball firmly in your court. I expect you will want to brainstorm with your team, and pick their brains for all pertinent information, after all, its not rocket science. Given your past history, I fully ecpect a reply within the next few business days.
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[former farmer]

Yup.

It is what it is.
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[vander]

Sting,

I, personally feel that you spent some sweat-equity in your post. It is unique!

Drill Down!!
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[sting]

There are only two types of "Unique" People

Those like Smokin Hot - the kind you want to be around

and them kind that lick the windows of the short bus!
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When you turn your boiler on -- Does it return the favor?
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[Corny]

Sting, you forgot to include "Your mileage may vary!"
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[thesixs]

Does that mean your one of the kind that lick the windows of the short bus??
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[sting]

Sure

Whatever
_________________
When you turn your boiler on -- Does it return the favor?
I am sorry - My responses are limited - You must ask the right question!

[thesixs]

I'm sorry Sting. I shouldn't have said that, I really respect your knowledge. Still Friends?
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Burning 100% corn!

[sting]

Always


This is after all, just an addition to -- The Joke thread
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When you turn your boiler on -- Does it return the favor?
I am sorry - My responses are limited - You must ask the right question!

[thesixs]

Glad to hear it!
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Pitch a tent, build a fire, and be content!
US Stoves 6039 ABC board 34 chip with draft kit & Chicken Dave's Heat Exchanger
Burning 100% corn!

[SidecarFlip]

Sting...

Please explain what licking the windows on the short bus is? I've never heard that one before.

Is that similar to whizzing in a fan?
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