Buzzword Cringe

CBQ - What workplace buzzwords make you cringe?

In this episode, we unpack the workplace buzzwords that make us cringe — and why they matter more than we think. From “rockstar” to “game changer” to “take it offline,” we explore how language shapes culture, signals unintended messages, and can alienate teams. Leaders, tune in to sharpen your communication and connect more effectively.

• [00:01:18] “True high performers are out on vacation or crushing their goals — they’re not the squeaky wheel.”
• [00:02:52] “You keep using that word — what do other people think it means?”
• [00:05:17] “If your words are making people cringe, what aren’t they hearing that you intended?”
• [00:06:52] “As leaders, it’s not about banning words — it’s about whether they’re helping you communicate effectively.”
• [00:07:26] “I would love to invent software that automatically mutes you after 3 buzzwords in 5 minutes.”

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