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Corporate Jargon Dictionary

Decode the nonsense. Click a buzzword below to see what HR thinks it means, versus what your boss actually means.

Jargon of the Day

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Real-World Application:

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Agile & Development

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Agile methodologyAgile methodologyA project management approach characterized by building products using short cycles of work.
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Agile TransformationAgile TransformationThe process of transitioning an organization to agile software development methodologies.
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BandwidthBandwidthThe time, energy, or mental capacity required to deal with a situation.
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BlockedBlockedWhen progress on a task is halted due to an external dependency.
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DogfoodingDogfoodingA company using its own products to test and promote them.
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Minimum Viable ProductMinimum Viable ProductA product with just enough features to satisfy early customers and provide feedback.
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PI PlanningPI PlanningProgram Increment Planning, a cadence-based event for aligning Agile teams.
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Scrum MasterScrum MasterA facilitator for an Agile development team.
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ScrumfallScrumfallA hybrid project management approach combining Agile development methodologies with traditional Waterfall planning.
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SiloSiloA system or department that operates in isolation from others.
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SME (Subject Matter Expert)SME (Subject Matter Expert)An individual with deep authoritative knowledge in a specific area or topic.
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Soft launchSoft launchReleasing a product to a limited audience to test viability.
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Sprint PlanningSprint PlanningAn event where the team determines the product backlog items they will work on during that sprint.
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SprintsSprintsA set period of time during which specific work has to be completed.
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Stand-upStand-upA short, daily meeting where team members discuss progress and blockers.
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Tech debtTech debtThe implied cost of additional rework caused by choosing an easy solution now instead of a better approach.
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VelocityVelocityA metric predicting how much work an Agile team can successfully complete.

HR & Workplace Trends

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Anti-PerksAnti-PerksAlternative workplace benefits designed to foster team building and wellness outside of standard compensation.
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Aura PointsAura PointsAn informal, peer-driven metric of social capital, credibility, and positive influence within the workplace culture.
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Bare Minimum MondaysBare Minimum MondaysA wellness-focused approach to the start of the week, prioritizing low-stress tasks to prevent employee burnout.
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Chuck a sickieChuck a sickieUtilizing an unplanned personal or health day.
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Coffee BadgingCoffee BadgingA flexible approach to hybrid work where employees use the office for brief socialization and networking before returning to a focused remote environment.
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Culture FitCulture FitAn individual's alignment with the core values, behaviors, and working style of an organization.
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Desk-bombingDesk-bombingApproaching a colleague directly at their workstation for an unscheduled conversation.
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EmpowerEmpowerTo give someone the authority or power to do something.
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FOBOFOBOThe natural workforce anxiety related to digital transformation and the integration of artificial intelligence.
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In the weedsIn the weedsBeing immersed in the detailed, complex aspects of a project.
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Job HuggingJob HuggingDisplaying deep loyalty and enthusiastic commitment to one's current role during times of macroeconomic uncertainty.
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Open door policyOpen door policyA communication policy where managers leave their office doors open to encourage transparency.
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Out of pocketOut of pocketUnavailable or unreachable for a certain period of time.
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Peel the onionPeel the onionTo examine a problem in detail by looking at its underlying layers.
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Quiet HiringQuiet HiringLeveraging internal mobility and upskilling existing talent to fill critical business gaps without expanding headcount.
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RTO (Return to Office)RTO (Return to Office)The policy mandating employees transition from remote work back to physical corporate locations.
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SmokoSmokoA brief, scheduled rest period during the workday.
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Soft RetirementSoft RetirementA phased transition into retirement where senior employees reduce their hours and delegate routine tasks to automated systems.
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WorkslopWorkslopAI-assisted drafted content that requires human review and refinement before final publication.

Meetings & Communication

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AlignmentAlignmentAchieving agreement and unified direction between stakeholders.
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As per my last emailAs per my last emailA reference to information previously provided in a written communication.
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AsyncAsyncCommunication that does not occur in real-time, allowing team members to respond on their own schedule.
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Bio BreakBio BreakA brief recess during a long meeting to allow attendees to use the restroom.
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Brain dumpBrain dumpThe transfer of a large quantity of information from one person to another.
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CadenceCadenceThe rhythm or regular schedule of team meetings or updates.
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Circle backCircle backTo revisit a topic or discussion at a later time.
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Hard stopHard stopA strict cutoff time for ending a meeting.
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Just checking inJust checking inA routine follow-up communication designed to monitor the status of an ongoing project or task.
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Let's park thisLet's park thisTo set an idea aside for future consideration.
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Let's sync on thisLet's sync on thisA proposal to align schedules to discuss a topic.
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Let's table thisLet's table thisTo postpone consideration of an issue.
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Level setLevel setTo establish a common understanding or baseline before proceeding.
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Ping mePing meTo send a quick electronic message to someone.
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Please alignPlease alignA request to agree with a proposed strategy or decision.
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Put a pin in itPut a pin in itTo temporarily halt discussion on a topic until a later time.
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Revert backRevert backTo reply or respond to a communication.
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Take it offlineTake it offlineTo discuss a specific topic outside of the current meeting.
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Touch BaseTouch BaseA brief conversation to catch up on a project's status.

Strategy & Executive Speak

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Action ItemAction ItemA specific task or objective assigned to an individual during a meeting.
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ActionableActionableInformation or data that can be acted upon or used to make a decision.
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Actionable InsightsActionable InsightsConclusions drawn from data analysis that can be directly used to formulate a strategic plan or make a business decision.
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At the end of the dayAt the end of the dayA phrase used to summarize the most important fact in a situation.
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Best practiceBest practiceA method or technique that has consistently shown results superior to those achieved with other means.
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Blue sky thinkingBlue sky thinkingCreative brainstorming that is not limited by current realities or constraints.
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Boil the oceanBoil the oceanUndertaking an impossible task or making a project unnecessarily broad.
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Buy-inBuy-inGaining agreement and support from team members on a new initiative.
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Core competencyCore competencyThe defining capability or advantage that distinguishes an enterprise.
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Deep DiveDeep DiveA thorough, detailed analysis of a specific topic or issue.
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DeliverableDeliverableA tangible or intangible good or service produced as a result of a project.
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Double ClickDouble ClickTo examine a topic more closely for better understanding.
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EcosystemEcosystemA complex network or interconnected system of products.
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Game changerGame changerA newly introduced element or factor that changes an existing situation in a significant way.
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GranularGranularCharacterized by a high level of detail.
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Heavy liftingHeavy liftingThe most difficult or demanding part of a task.
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Key Performance IndicatorKey Performance IndicatorA measurable value that demonstrates how effectively a company is achieving objectives.
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LeverageLeverageUsing a resource to its maximum advantage.
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Low-hanging fruitLow-hanging fruitTasks, goals, or opportunities that are easily achievable.
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Move the goalpostsMove the goalpostsChanging the criteria or rules for success during the middle of a process.
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Move the needleMove the needleTo generate a noticeable impact or make a significant difference.
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North StarNorth StarA guiding principle or long-term vision for a company or product.
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OpticsOpticsHow a situation, decision, or action will be perceived by stakeholders.
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Paradigm shiftParadigm shiftA fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
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PivotPivotChanging our strategic direction to adapt to market needs.
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RightsizeRightsizeTo convert a company to a more optimal size, usually via restructuring.
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ScalableScalableThe capacity of a system to handle a growing amount of work.
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SynergySynergyThe combined value and performance of two groups being greater than the sum of their parts.
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Thought leaderThought leaderAn individual recognized as an authority in a specialized field.
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UnpackUnpackTo analyze or explain a complex idea in detail.
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WheelhouseWheelhouseAn area of expertise, particular skill, or knowledge.

Tech & Infrastructure

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Air-gappedAir-gappedA network security measure where a secure computer network is physically isolated from unsecured networks.
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Bleeding edgeBleeding edgeTechnology that is so new it has a high risk of being unreliable.
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Bumping thisBumping thisReplying to an email to move it to the top of the recipient's inbox.
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Cloud RepatriationCloud RepatriationThe strategic process of migrating workloads from a public cloud environment back to an on-premises infrastructure.
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ITILITILA set of detailed practices for IT service management.
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Lift and shiftLift and shiftMoving an application or operation from one environment to another without redesigning it.
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On-PremOn-PremSoftware or hardware installed and running on the premises of the organization.
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Root Cause AnalysisRoot Cause AnalysisA systematic process for identifying the underlying causes of a fault or problem.
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SeamlessSeamlessMoving smoothly from one stage to the next without interruption.
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Single pane of glassSingle pane of glassA management console that unifies data from multiple software interfaces.
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SLASLAService Level Agreement; a commitment between a service provider and a client.
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SLA BypassSLA BypassAn authorized deviation from standard service level agreements for critical business needs.
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The CloudThe CloudDelivery of computing services over the internet.
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TurnkeyTurnkeyA product or service that is ready for immediate use.
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Value Stream MappingValue Stream MappingA lean-management method for analyzing the current state and designing a future state for a workflow.
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Vendor lock-inVendor lock-inA situation where a customer becomes dependent on a vendor for products and services.
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Zero TrustZero TrustA security framework requiring all users to be authenticated and authorized.

General Corporate Nonsense

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Act Your WageAct Your WageEmployees strictly adhering to the baseline responsibilities of their job description without taking on uncompensated extra duties.
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AdminisphereAdminisphereThe executive management level responsible for strategic organizational decisions.
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Agentic AIAgentic AIAutonomous artificial intelligence systems capable of making decisions and executing actions to achieve specific goals.
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Al DeskoAl DeskoThe act of consuming meals at one's workstation to maintain continuous productivity.
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AOB (Any Other Business)AOB (Any Other Business)A placeholder at the end of a meeting agenda to discuss items not previously scheduled.
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Asset LifecycleAsset LifecycleThe series of stages involved in the management of an asset, from procurement to disposal.
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AutomagicAutomagicA process or technology that functions so seamlessly and intuitively it appears to work by magic.
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Backlog GroomingBacklog GroomingA recurring session where the team reviews and prioritizes items in the product backlog.
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Band-aid solutionBand-aid solutionA temporary fix to a problem that does not address the root cause.
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Benched / On the benchBenched / On the benchA temporary period where an employee or consultant is unassigned to a billable client project.
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BespokeBespokeA product or service specifically tailored to the unique needs of a particular client.
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Best of BreedBest of BreedThe most superior product or system within its specific category or market niche.
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BifurcateBifurcateTo divide a project process or team into two distinct branches.
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BikesheddingBikesheddingDisproportionate focus on trivial or minor details while neglecting larger or more important issues.
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BlamestormingBlamestormingA post-incident meeting aimed at identifying failures in process or execution.
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Blocking IssuesBlocking IssuesAny obstacle that prevents a team member from completing a task or achieving a sprint goal.
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Bodge JobBodge JobA temporary or improvised solution to an operational challenge.
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Boiling the frogBoiling the frogA gradual process of change that goes largely unnoticed until the cumulative effect is significant.
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Boomerang EmployeeBoomerang EmployeeA worker who leaves an organization only to be rehired by the same company at a later date.
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Boots on the GroundBoots on the GroundThe personnel physically present and actively engaged in a project or operation.
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BosswareBosswareEmployee monitoring software used by management to track productivity and computer activity.
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BrownfieldBrownfieldA project or deployment that must integrate with or upgrade existing legacy systems.
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Build the plane while flying itBuild the plane while flying itDeveloping or refining a process or product concurrently with its execution or release.
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Burn rateBurn rateThe rate at which a company spends its capital to finance overhead before generating positive cash flow.
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Business ContinuityBusiness ContinuityThe advanced planning and preparation undertaken to ensure an organization can maintain critical functions during a disaster.
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Calendar TetrisCalendar TetrisThe difficult process of scheduling a meeting among multiple participants with heavily booked schedules.
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Camera-ReadyCamera-ReadyThe expectation for employees to be visually presentable and have their video turned on during virtual meetings.
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CapExCapExFunds used by a company to acquire or upgrade physical assets.
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Career CushioningCareer CushioningThe act of keeping one's options open and actively maintaining skills in anticipation of potential economic instability.
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Carrier DiversityCarrier DiversityUtilizing multiple telecommunications providers to ensure network connectivity remains stable if one provider experiences an outage.
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CCing Manager for visibilityCCing Manager for visibilityIncluding leadership on a thread to keep them informed of project status.
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Center of ExcellenceCenter of ExcellenceA team or entity that provides leadership best practices research and support for a focus area.
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Change Advisory BoardChange Advisory BoardA group of subject matter experts who review and approve proposed changes to IT infrastructure.
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Change FreezeChange FreezeA designated period during which strict controls are placed on the IT environment, prohibiting non-critical updates to ensure stability.
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Chargeback ModelChargeback ModelAn IT accounting strategy that applies the costs of IT services to the business unit in which they are used.
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ChasingChasingFollowing up on a previously sent message or pending request.
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Check your diaryCheck your diaryA request to review one's calendar or schedule to find a suitable time for a meeting or collaboration.
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ChronoworkingChronoworkingAdjusting one's work schedule to align with personal circadian rhythms for optimal productivity.
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Circle the wagonsCircle the wagonsTo unite a group defensively in response to an external threat or criticism.
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CMDBCMDBA comprehensive database used to store information about hardware and software assets.
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Color of MoneyColor of MoneyThe specific budget category or government appropriation fund from which project expenses must be drawn.
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Core Collaboration DaysCore Collaboration DaysDesignated days of the week where all hybrid employees are required to be physically present in the office.
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Core hoursCore hoursThe specific times of day when all employees are expected to be working and available.
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Cottage-blurringCottage-blurringUtilizing virtual background features during remote work to maintain a professional appearance.
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Cross-PollinationCross-PollinationThe sharing of ideas, knowledge, or processes between different departments to encourage innovation.
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CTC / Cost to CompanyCTC / Cost to CompanyThe total amount an organization spends on an employee including salary, benefits, and overhead.
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CYA (Cover Your Ass)CYA (Cover Your Ass)Actions taken to protect oneself from liability or criticism.
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Dead Sea EffectDead Sea EffectA phenomenon where highly skilled employees leave a toxic environment leaving behind less capable staff.
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DeluluDeluluA slang term describing a state of unrealistic optimism or disconnect from reality.
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Diary ClashDiary ClashA scheduling conflict where two or more meetings are set for the same time.
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Digital TransformationDigital TransformationThe integration of digital technology into all areas of a business to fundamentally change how it operates.
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Discovery ToolDiscovery ToolAutomated software designed to map network infrastructure and identify connected devices.
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Do the needfulDo the needfulA polite request to take the necessary and appropriate action to resolve a situation.
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Dog and pony showDog and pony showA highly orchestrated presentation or demonstration designed to impress stakeholders.
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Drink from the firehoseDrink from the firehoseTo be overwhelmed by a massive amount of information at once.
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Drinking the Kool-AidDrinking the Kool-AidDemonstrating strong belief in and alignment with the company's vision and core values.
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Drop the puckDrop the puckTo officially commence a meeting, project, or phase of work.
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Dry PromotionDry PromotionAn advancement in job title and responsibilities without an accompanying increase in salary.
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E-presenteeismE-presenteeismThe pressure remote employees feel to constantly appear online and immediately responsive to digital communications.
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Egress FeesEgress FeesCharges incurred when data is transferred out of a cloud provider's network.
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Enterprise AgreementEnterprise AgreementA volume licensing package offered by software vendors for large organizations.
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FaffingFaffingSpending time on non-essential tasks or minor details.
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FauxductivityFauxductivityThe appearance of being highly productive by engaging in highly visible but low-impact tasks.
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FinOpsFinOpsThe practice of bringing financial accountability to the variable spend model of cloud computing.
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Five NinesFive NinesAn availability standard ensuring a system is operational 99.999% of the time, equating to just over five minutes of downtime per year.
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Flick passFlick passTo swiftly reassign a task or responsibility to a more appropriate team member.
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Follow the SunFollow the SunA global workflow model where tasks are passed between offices in different time zones to ensure continuous operation.
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For future referenceFor future referenceProviding information to be kept in mind for subsequent tasks.
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FresherFresherA recent graduate entering the workforce, typically in an entry-level position.
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Friendly reminderFriendly reminderA polite nudge regarding an approaching deadline or missing deliverable.
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FurloughFurloughA temporary unpaid leave of absence initiated by the employer due to economic conditions.
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Future-proofFuture-proofDesigning software or infrastructure that is unlikely to become obsolete in the near future.
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Garden LeaveGarden LeaveA period during which an employee who is leaving a job is instructed to stay away from work while remaining on the payroll.
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Gen-AI HallucinationGen-AI HallucinationThe generation of false, nonsensical, or inaccurate information by an artificial intelligence model.
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Getting your ducks in a rowGetting your ducks in a rowThe process of organizing one's affairs, tasks, or resources in preparation for a project or initiative.
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Ghost in the machineGhost in the machineAn unexplained anomaly or bug within a complex system.
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Ghost JobsGhost JobsJob postings that remain active on a company's career page despite the company having no immediate intention of hiring for the role.
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Go pear-shapedGo pear-shapedA situation that has gone wrong or deteriorated from the original plan.
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Going forwardGoing forwardA transition phrase indicating a new process or expectation for the future.
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Golden HandcuffsGolden HandcuffsFinancial incentives or benefits provided to employees to discourage them from leaving the company.
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GovernanceGovernanceThe overarching framework of rules, practices, and processes by which an organization is directed and controlled.
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GreenfieldGreenfieldA completely new project or environment that lacks constraints imposed by prior work.
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Hard YakkaHard YakkaStrenuous labor-intensive work required to complete a demanding task.
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Hard yardsHard yardsThe strenuous and often tedious effort required to complete a difficult task.
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Have a doubtHave a doubtA request for clarification or to ask a question regarding a specific process or instruction.
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Herding catsHerding catsAttempting to control or organize a group of inherently uncontrollable entities.
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High AvailabilityHigh AvailabilityA system design approach that ensures a high level of operational performance and uptime for a given period.
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Hope this finds you wellHope this finds you wellA standard, polite opening greeting used in professional correspondence to establish rapport.
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Hot Desking / HotelingHot Desking / HotelingAn office organization system where desks are used by different people at different times to maximize space efficiency.
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Hush TripsHush TripsEmployees working remotely from an undisclosed location while portraying they are at their approved home office.
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HyperautomationHyperautomationThe disciplined approach of rapidly identifying and automating as many business and IT processes as possible.
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Idea ShowerIdea ShowerA collaborative meeting designed to generate a large volume of creative ideas.
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Invoking the RightInvoking the RightExercising the legal right to disconnect from work-related communications outside of standard working hours.
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JobsworthJobsworthAn employee who rigidly adheres to rules and policies, often at the expense of common sense or efficiency.
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KeenerKeenerAn enthusiastic and highly motivated employee who eagerly takes on new tasks.
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KindlyKindlyA polite adverb used to request an action or favor in professional correspondence.
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Kindly AdjustKindly AdjustA polite request to accommodate a change or accept a temporary limitation.
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Knowledge Transfer (KT)Knowledge Transfer (KT)A structured handover of information and processes between employees or teams.
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Lazy Girl JobLazy Girl JobA remote low-stress position that provides financial stability without demanding excessive overtime or emotional investment.
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Lean InLean InA call to action for employees to take initiative and embrace challenges.
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Let's crack onLet's crack onAn informal encouragement to proceed with a task or continue working.
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Lipstick on a PigLipstick on a PigMaking superficial modifications to a product in an attempt to make it more appealing.
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LLM-WashingLLM-WashingThe deceptive marketing practice of rebranding existing, non-AI products as being powered by Large Language Models or advanced AI.
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Loud QuittingLoud QuittingWhen an employee makes their dissatisfaction publicly known while remaining employed.
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Made RedundantMade RedundantThe elimination of a position due to restructuring or changes in business needs.
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Managing UpManaging UpThe practice of consciously working with your manager to obtain the best possible results for you, your boss, and your organization.
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Mandatory FunMandatory FunOrganized team-building activities intended to boost morale.
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Mates RatesMates RatesA discounted price offered through established professional relationships or partnerships.
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Maturity ModelMaturity ModelA framework used to assess the current capability and operational effectiveness of an organization.
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MeatwareMeatwareThe human element within a computer system or network.
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Meeting-induced atrophyMeeting-induced atrophyA decline in employee productivity and cognitive sharpness caused by excessive participation in back-to-back meetings.
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Micro-segmentationMicro-segmentationA security technique that divides the network into distinct security segments down to the individual workload level.
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Minding the shopMinding the shopTemporarily taking responsibility for a team or system while others are unavailable.
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Mission criticalMission criticalEssential to the functioning of an organization or system.
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Motherhood StatementMotherhood StatementA broad feel-good declaration of principles or values that everyone universally agrees with.
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Mugging UpMugging UpRote memorization of information for the purpose of passing an assessment.
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Need of the hourNeed of the hourThe most critical requirement or action needed at a specific moment.
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Net-netNet-netThe ultimate bottom line or final conclusion after all factors are considered.
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Off-sideOff-sideActions or comments that do not align with company policy or professional expectations.
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On the front footOn the front footTaking a proactive approach to business challenges and client communications.
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On the toolsOn the toolsDirect, hands-on involvement in technical work or configuration tasks.
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Open the kimonoOpen the kimonoTo reveal the inner workings, financials, or proprietary details of a project or organization.
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OpExOpExThe ongoing operational costs required for the day-to-day functioning of a business.
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Out of stationOut of stationIndicates an employee is currently away from their designated office location or city.
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P1 EscalationP1 EscalationThe highest priority incident ticket requiring immediate cross-functional resolution.
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ParallellyParallellyThe execution of multiple tasks or initiatives at the same time to increase overall efficiency.
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Passed the ParcelPassed the ParcelThe transfer of a task or responsibility to another team or individual.
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Peanut ButteringPeanut ButteringThe act of spreading resources or investments thinly across multiple projects rather than focusing on a few priorities.
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Per my previousPer my previousA shortened reference to an earlier communication.
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Perma-crisisPerma-crisisAn extended period of instability and insecurity within an organization.
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Personality HirePersonality HireA candidate selected primarily for their interpersonal skills and cultural fit rather than technical expertise.
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Please advisePlease adviseA formal request for instructions, guidance, or a decision.
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Polyworking / OveremployedPolyworking / OveremployedThe practice of holding multiple full-time jobs simultaneously, typically remote, without disclosing it to employers.
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PreponePreponeTo reschedule an event to an earlier time or date.
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Productivity ParanoiaProductivity ParanoiaA management concern that remote or hybrid employees are not working efficiently despite stable output metrics.
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Productivity TheaterProductivity TheaterThe practice of engaging in highly visible but ultimately low-value tasks to create the illusion of hard work.
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Prompt DriftPrompt DriftThe degradation in the quality or consistency of responses from a Large Language Model over time.
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Prompt-BlockPrompt-BlockA temporary creative barrier experienced when attempting to engineer the optimal instructions for a Generative AI tool.
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Prompt-passingPrompt-passingDelegating tasks that involve the utilization of generative AI tools.
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Proximity BiasProximity BiasThe unconscious tendency to favor employees who are physically closer or more visible in the office environment.
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Psychological SafetyPsychological SafetyA shared belief held by members of a team that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking and expressing ideas.
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PushbackPushbackExpressing disagreement or resistance to a proposed idea or plan.
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Putting out firesPutting out firesAddressing urgent unforeseen issues that require immediate attention.
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Quick winQuick winA fast, easy improvement that delivers immediate value.
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Quiet FiringQuiet FiringThe practice of a manager intentionally creating an unrewarding work environment to encourage an employee to resign.
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Quiet QuittingQuiet QuittingThe practice of an employee strictly fulfilling their contractual duties without taking on additional uncompensated responsibilities.
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Rage ApplyingRage ApplyingApplying to numerous jobs at other organizations in response to a negative workplace event.
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ResenteeismResenteeismWhen employees remain in their jobs despite being unhappy often negatively impacting team morale.
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Resume Generating Event (RGE)Resume Generating Event (RGE)A mistake or failure of such magnitude that it likely results in termination.
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Resume-Driven DevelopmentResume-Driven DevelopmentThe adoption of new technologies or architectures primarily to enhance an employee's professional portfolio rather than to solve a business problem.
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ReturnshipReturnshipA structured professional program designed for experienced workers re-entering the workforce after an extended gap.
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Right-shoringRight-shoringThe strategic placement of business processes in geographic locations that offer the best combination of cost and efficiency.
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Run it up the flagpoleRun it up the flagpoleTo test an idea to see what the reaction will be.
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Rust-outRust-outA state of chronic boredom or lack of challenge in the workplace leading to employee disengagement.
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SaaS SprawlSaaS SprawlThe uncontrolled proliferation of cloud-based applications across an organization leading to unmanaged costs and security risks.
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Scope creepScope creepContinuous or uncontrolled growth in a project's requirements after the project begins.
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Seagull ManagementSeagull ManagementA management style where an executive interacts with a project only to criticize it before departing.
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SecondmentSecondmentThe temporary transfer of an official or worker to another position or employment.
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Shadow AIShadow AIThe unsanctioned use of artificial intelligence tools by employees outside of the organization's official IT governance.
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Shadow ITShadow ITInformation technology systems, devices, or applications deployed without explicit organizational approval.
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Shift LeftShift LeftThe practice of moving testing, quality, and performance evaluation earlier in the software development lifecycle.
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Shift ShockShift ShockThe realization by a new employee that the reality of a job or company culture differs significantly from what was advertised.
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Single Point of FailureSingle Point of FailureA part of a system that, if it fails, will stop the entire system from working.
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Single Source of TruthSingle Source of TruthThe practice of structuring data models and schemas so that every data element is mastered in only one place.
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Sitting on my headSitting on my headClose supervision or persistent follow-up by a manager to ensure task completion.
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Slow walkSlow walkDeliberately delaying the progress of a project or request through malicious compliance.
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SocializeSocializeTo share a concept or plan with stakeholders to gather feedback and build consensus prior to formal approval.
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Spanner in the worksSpanner in the worksAn unexpected event or problem that disrupts a plan or process.
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SpitballingSpitballingAn informal brainstorming technique where ideas are shared freely without immediate criticism.
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Spitting the dummySpitting the dummyExhibiting a sudden display of unprofessional frustration or an emotional outburst.
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Square the circleSquare the circleAttempting to resolve a problem that is seemingly impossible or involves fundamentally contradictory requirements.
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Stakeholder ImpactStakeholder ImpactThe degree to which an individual or group is affected by a business decision or technical change.
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Stakeholder OwnershipStakeholder OwnershipThe explicit assignment of accountability for a project's success or failure to specific business units.
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StakeholdersStakeholdersIndividuals or groups who have an interest in the success of a project.
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StickhandleStickhandleTo carefully manage or guide a complex project, conversation, or initiative to a successful conclusion.
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Story PointsStory PointsA unit of measure used in Agile domains to express the estimated effort required to implement a backlog item.
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Strategic ImperativeStrategic ImperativeA top-priority business goal that is essential for the organization's long-term success.
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SunsettingSunsettingThe intentional phase-out or retirement of a product or service.
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Suss it outSuss it outTo conduct a preliminary investigation or assessment of a situation.
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Swivel Chair IntegrationSwivel Chair IntegrationThe manual process of a human operator entering data from one system into another due to a lack of automated connectivity.
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Tall Poppy SyndromeTall Poppy SyndromeA cultural tendency to criticize or resent individuals who have achieved notable success or prominence.
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TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)A comprehensive assessment of information technology costs across enterprise boundaries over time.
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The C-SuiteThe C-SuiteThe executive-level managers within a company.
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Think outside the boxThink outside the boxTo explore ideas that are creative, unusual, and not limited by rules.
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Thread the needleThread the needleTo carefully execute a complex process requiring extreme precision to avoid failure.
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Threat LandscapeThreat LandscapeThe entirety of potential cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities facing an organization at any given time.
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Throw a WobblyThrow a WobblyExhibiting a sudden display of unprofessional frustration or anger in the workplace.
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Throw it over the wallThrow it over the wallThe transfer of a completed phase of work to another department with little to no communication or collaboration.
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Throw under the busThrow under the busTo blame a colleague or team for a mistake in order to protect oneself or one's department.
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Throwing compute at itThrowing compute at itIncreasing hardware resources to resolve performance bottlenecks.
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Throwing toys out of the pramThrowing toys out of the pramReacting to a professional disagreement with a disproportionate emotional outburst.
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Tiger TeamTiger TeamA specialized, cross-functional group of experts brought together to solve a critical issue or high-priority project.
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TimepassTimepassActivities undertaken to occupy time when there is a lack of primary tasks or responsibilities.
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TokenmaxxingTokenmaxxingThe practice of optimizing or maximizing the context window limits of a generative AI tool to process large volumes of data.
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Topped upTopped upTo replenish a resource or fund to its maximum capacity.
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Toxic PositivityToxic PositivityThe excessive overgeneralization of a happy state across all situations resulting in the denial of genuine human emotion or legitimate problems.
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Up-levelUp-levelTo elevate a conversation or strategy to a higher or more executive tier of thinking.
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UpdationUpdationA formal request for the latest status or progress on a task.
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UpgradationUpgradationThe process of replacing older software or hardware with a newer version.
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Value-addValue-addA feature or service that increases the worth of a product or interaction.
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Vampire TasksVampire TasksRoutine administrative duties or mandatory compliance modules that do not directly contribute to core operational goals.
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VaporwareVaporwareA highly anticipated product or software feature that is announced but never actually manufactured or released.
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Vendor ConsolidationVendor ConsolidationThe strategic reduction of third-party suppliers to streamline operations and reduce costs.
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VIP TriageVIP TriagePrioritizing technical support for key executives to minimize disruption to leadership.
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VoluntoldVoluntoldBeing assigned a task or role by management disguised as a volunteer opportunity.
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War RoomWar RoomA dedicated physical or virtual space for rapid collaborative problem-solving during a crisis.
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Warm bodyWarm bodyAn employee hired solely to fill a vacant role regardless of their actual skill level.
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Watermelon StatusWatermelon StatusA project reporting metric that appears healthy at a high level but contains severe underlying issues.
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We're a familyWe're a familyA phrase used to emphasize a close-knit and supportive company culture.
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Weaponized IncompetenceWeaponized IncompetenceThe intentional demonstration of an inability to perform a task to avoid being assigned responsibilities.
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White-Glove SupportWhite-Glove SupportProviding premium highly personalized assistance to critical stakeholders.
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WhiteboardingWhiteboardingBrainstorming ideas and mapping out concepts visually on a whiteboard.
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WordsmithingWordsmithingThe careful crafting and editing of text to ensure clarity and appropriate tone.
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Working GroupWorking GroupA specialized committee of cross-functional team members formed to investigate and solve a specific issue.
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Workload PortabilityWorkload PortabilityThe ability to move applications and data seamlessly between different cloud environments or platforms.
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Yak ShavingYak ShavingCompleting a series of seemingly unrelated tasks necessary to achieve a primary goal.