‘Balls in the air’? You hate biz jargon, Missouri and Kansas, and you’re not alone | Opinion

It always amazes me how many polls and surveys there are that measure the smallest, and sometimes, silliest things. Another one came out recently, and it’s about corporate jargon. You know, the buzzwords you just might hear from your boss that press your buttons every time.

Like “deliverables,” “balls in the air” and, the No. 1 most disliked buzzword in both Missouri and Kansas: “Act your wage.”

Careerminds, a global outplacement and career development company, surveyed 3,000 employees around the country to uncover the most detested corporate jargon used by their managers.

Managers need to think about the language they use in the workplace, says Raymond Lee, president of Careerminds. “It’s crucial to recognize that the words we choose can significantly impact team morale and motivation. By opting for clear and meaningful dialogue over jargon, leaders can foster a more inclusive, engaging, and productive environment.”

The lists for both Missouri and Kansas are similar. I suppose our Midwest common sense and sensibilities don’t need these pithy sayings to get work done. It’s insulting, really. I mean, “Act your wage?” Apparently, we hate it.

This nugget is supposed to remind you to stick to tasks that match your pay grade. “Pay grade” wasn’t on the list, but it’s on mine. It reminds you that you are lesser than someone else.

Major eye-rolling.

The problem with these words? Careerminds says, and I agree, that “they can box you into your current role and dim your shine if you’re trying to climb that career ladder and add more value.”

No. 2 for both states is “effective accelerationism,” a term I must admit I haven’t heard. It just means working faster for faster results, and if you’ve been in the workforce for any time, you know that this doesn’t always mean innovation. It can mean mistakes.

I’ve heard the term “fail fast,” but generally this means taking risks and learning from mistakes — not a bad thing. But working faster without a clear direction is just foolish.

Missouri and Kansas vary in their choice for No. 3 most-hated, but “balls in the air” make both states’ Top 4. Think about a juggler keeping several balls aloft. Sound fun? Maybe, but it can diminish the understanding of the stress and rigor needed to keep multiple projects moving fluidly.

My most disliked term on both states’ lists is “Push the envelope.” It’s No. 5 on Missouri’s list and No. 4 for Kansas. Like all these terms, it’s vague and encourages employees to do more without clear reasons and goals. Says Careerminds, “It can leave employees feeling stressed about uncertain expectations.”

You know what’s not on this list and should be? “Sticky content” or “stickiness,” which was big a few years ago. It’s supposed to mean stories, ads, videos and other content that attracts and holds readers and consumers. It sounds nasty. Let’s stop using it.

At No. 10 for both states comes a term that I do use and like: “Spidey sense.” You know where it comes from, right? Peter Parker and Spider-Man. It’s that intuitive feeling you get when working on a project. I get that trying to use it in the workplace while voicing genuine issues can seem trivial if you can’t express it correctly. Still, I think it has a place. My mother always told me to go with my gut. Or maybe it’s just the Marvel nerd in me.

What buzzword do you think should be excised from workplace communication, and burned on the funeral pyre of business-speak?