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Low-hanging fruit term a classic workplace cliché, devoid of
This phrase comes from the notion that it is its original impact. It often comes across as
easier to pick an apple from the bottom of pretentious and can make communication less
the tree rather than the top, and is often used clear and less engaging.
when describing tasks or to-dos in project Consider using words such as “examine”,
situations. “scrutinise” or “investigate”, instead.
In reality, using this term can be perceived
as rather patronising because there’s an Paradigm shift
assumption that the tasks are easy to finish Paradigm overlaps with “think outside the
when in reality some colleagues could find box,” another absurd way of suggesting a
them challenging, and you can add in the fact dramatic approach to transformation, strategy
that those assigned these “low-hanging fruits” or thinking.
could think they are not as capable or skilled A proper paradigm shift signifies a drastic
as colleagues assigned to the higher-up change in thinking, but its overuse in the
pickings. workplace has led to the term’s dilution.
So, instead of dropping this agricultural Now when heard in meetings and calls, it
metaphor, try phrases such as “accessible can be easily construed as pretentious and
targets” or “immediate progress”. exaggerates the significance of change.
A truly “outside-the-box” way would be to
Bandwidth focus on using more concrete language, for
When talking technology, bandwidth makes example: shift, change or overhaul.
sense because it’s a measurement for the
maximum amount of data transmitted over Offline
an internet connection– or, in days gone by, a Offline is a simple word with a simple
radio – in a given amount of time. meaning: not being connected to a computer
But in a corporate setting, when one hears or the internet. But the phrase “let’s take this
the word, it is often in the context of asking offline” used in the context of work creates
someone if they have the time to take on nuance.
another task. So, if you’re a line manager, Depending on the situation, this could imply
consider replacing “Do you have the that the matter is urgent, used to avoid
bandwidth?” with “Do you have time today?” addressing a topic in front of others or entirely
dismissively, suggesting that the topic isn’t
Deep-dive important or relevant to the situation. It could
This is a perfect example of taking two words, also be used in a neutral way, meaning
combining them with a hyphen, and voilà: continuing the conversation privately.
another cringe-inducing piece of workplace
jargon. A deep-dive is an impressive way of The best way to avoid confusing or triggering
saying “detailed look”. anxiety in colleagues is to be direct and
tell them why the conversation needs to go
The overuse of “deep-dive” has rendered the “offline.”
24 September 2024
