A running dictionary of the phrases that permeate the consulting world, and business more broadly.
a phrase used to describe a situation in which a party is in the midst of activity, with much work remaining before an outcome can be determined, whether favorable or not; derives from the dynamics of American football, whose field…
to test a new or undeveloped idea or proposal through multiple interactions, with the intent of further refining the underlying thinking to ensure readiness for the next stage, as in “We’ll need to do some rock tumbling of this investment…
a period of reflection during which one is removed from the normal hubbub of typical work activity, as if one has left a metaphorical dance floor and ascended the adjoining staircase to view the entire group of dancers; balcony time…
to take a risky action with no possibility of undoing the decision if it turns out to be ill-advised, evoking the imagery of making a fully-committed jump across a chasm, hoping to land safely on the other side; used for…
a phenomenon in which advocates of the same cause began training their ire on each other instead of their external opponents; from the idea of a group of rifle-wielding individuals standing in a circle and pointing their weapons at each…
the idea that even minor confusion or shoddy reasoning at the top of an organization is amplified as it propagates downwards within a hierarchy, such that muddled thinking or messaging from senior leaders leads to chaos or paralysis among the…
a clever phrase often used by more experienced managers when they wish to delegate a menial task, as in “Why don’t you take the lead on putting together this document”; can translate to “I’m disinterested and probably not smart or…
to act with vigor and focus, as with a blacksmith during the intense phase of metalworking when the glowing hot target is held with tongs and struck repeatedly with hammer blows; suggestive of heavy exertion, this phrase is generally used…