"Modern office manners include knowing when colleagues are uncomfortable in your presence due to your words or actions," corporate trainer Sharon Schweitzer told The Pueblo Chieftain. "If you use irritating phrases, it displays a lack of consideration that may impact promotion, pay raises and leadership opportunities."
If you want to banish annoying work clichés from your vocabulary, use clear and concise language instead of commonly-used expressions, Schweitzer explained. Every corporate catchphrase can be translated into basic English. Tempted to say, "let's think outside the box?" Instead, say, "Let's be creative." Instead of "circling back," how about suggesting colleagues "meet again to discuss?" If it's a struggle to speak or write without these expressions, give it time, think before you speak, and proofread your emails.
Some people may use clichés because they think it makes them sound more professional or educated (or out of laziness). But consider that famed investor Warren Buffett is known for his brilliantly-written and jargon-free language, as observed by University of Maryland English professor and communications consultant Jonathan Rick. "Second to his investing brilliance, the Oracle of Omaha is known for his deep respect for clear communication," Rick told PR News. "His shareholder letters are so well-written that they're considered the gold standard."
