Jargon Backlash: Cringe-Worthy Words That Stall Productivity

Have you asked anyone to give 110 percent lately? Or, to think outside the box? If so, your words might be having a counter-productive effect.
 
According to a OnePoll survey of 2,000 American workers on behalf of communications technology provider Jive Communications  https://wapo.st/2wZu20P, 27 percent of American workers acknowledged tuning out people who use this kind of jargon.

We’re all guilty of resorting to workplace clichés at times. (Tweet it!) In fact, 72 percent admitted to habitually using these phrases. As John Pope, a senior vice president of Jive Communications says: “These phrases aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.” But, he added, “Our goal should be to use such jargon sparingly.” (https://fxn.ws/2FhGmbl).

Here are the Top 10 phrases in order of cringe-worthiness:

1.  Give 110 percent
2.  Think outside the box
3.  Hammer it out
4.  Heavy lifting
5.  Throw them under the bus
6.  Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched
7.  Pushing the envelope
8.  Let the cat out of the bag
9.  Let’s circle back
10.  Win-win situation

When’s the last time you heard one of the above phrases and what was your reaction? When was the last time you used one, and how might you cut back? To join the conversation, click "comments" above.
 
If you would like to read more about creating a habit around masterful communication, check out our book: Be Quiet, Be Heard: The Paradox of Persuasion

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