As engineers, we probably hate management buzzwords, and with good reason. Why is that?

Firstly, be aware that because we're engineers, and probably nerds, we love using our own little languages.

So - contrast that with the Dilbert case, where managers are busy using their own terminology.

The difference is that it's pretty tough to think of an easy way of saying "SSH" so that everyone can understand. On the other hand, it's pretty easy to say "increase" instead of "enhance", "later" instead of "offline", nothing at all instead of "strategic". So - why do people do it? Here's my theory.

• It confuses other people, so they can't argue with you as easily
• It makes you sound clever

Should you use buzzwords or not?

Engineers are often employed because they're great at a particular skill like CSS or VLSI. One of the skills managers are employed for is communication. Here's the problem: unlike coding or mathematics, the best solution depends on context. For example - a boorish, loud and overbearing type manager might fit in wonderfully on a factory floor, but be less than ideal at a large tech firm. In the same way, choosing to use buzzwords might work well when everyone you're surrounded by does the same thing.

My opinion is that you should try your best to minimise buzzwords, and "push back" on anyone who does try to use them. Firstly, because it's probably not often that everyone you're surrounded by will be very familiar with these words. Secondly - people already know that you're just trying to sound clever. One thing is for sure - if you use lots of buzzwords, most engineering people will think that you're a bit of a dick.

Surely not?

Far better people than me have put together excellent lists of buzzwords. Although we might titter, understand that this is very real - I had one manager tell me that a new flat screen TV we had was "impactful". Suddenly, if the people in authority start using these words in earnest, we end up looking like the dick.

Common Errors

• Original: In terms of. Translation: My sentence should probably be the other way around.
• Original: He was behaving inappropriately. Translation: I would like to use a whole set of interesting expletives about that ****, but since I'm in a corporate, this is the strongest word I can use.
• Original: There are strategic considerations. Translation: There are considerations. (This one is great - you can almost always replace "strategic" with silence.)
• Original: Value creation / value destruction. Translation: Something useful / something that wasted everybody's time.