ANALYSIS PARALYSIS. Refers to over-analysing (or over-thinking) a situation, so that a decision or action is never taken, in effect paralysing the outcome. “Management are still waiting for an offer but the potential bidder is two weeks into the DD process and suffering from analysis paralysis.”
BLOATATION. This phrase can be used to describe the filling of non-essential staff positions. It can also describe poor working capital management, especially of stock. “Is it just me or is there a fair bit of bloatation going on in the marketing department?”
FUD FACTOR. An acronym for fear, uncertainty and doubt. Commonly used when there is a lack of information and/or knowledge when making decisions. “This 3 year plan fills me with FUD. We just can’t predict how the market will react.”
HUSKY CLOSEST TO THE SLEDGE. Similar metaphor as not being able to see the wood from the trees, i.e. refers to having limited visibility of the bigger picture. “Whilst we need to concentrate on the day-to-day operations, I do not want to become the husky closest to the sledge.”
KILTING. A phrase used to describe preparation for the Scottish market. Maybe a bit stereotypical, but effective. “When are we going to start kilting these services?”
MANDOC. An unusual acronym standing for management dominated company, i.e. one where one or a few members of the management team have a disproportionate level of influence and as a result the organisation is heavily reliant on them. “This looks like a MANDOC to me. If we are going to invest in it we have to make sure the Management team is tied in.”
MEANDERTHAL. Someone who has a difficult time getting to the point when telling a story or giving a presentation. “Frank is such a meanderthal. That meeting went on for twice as long as it should have done!”
OPEN THE KIMONO. A 1990’s phrase that means that everyone should share information freely with an outside party and reveal their plans. “It is time to open the kimono if we want this sale process to go anywhere.”
PAY THE PIPER. A suited phrase used to describe the settling of debts owed to key suppliers who possess a lot of power. “Make sure that we have enough cash to pay the piper at the end of the month otherwise we can kiss goodbye to our next delivery.”
RE-PACK. Second pre-pack of the same business in a year (presumably on the same logic three times would give you a “three-pack”). “The business is struggling to get any credit after the re-pack.”
WEIGHING THE PIG. A befitting metaphor for continually analysing a business’ performance retrospectively, rather than concentrating on improving and growing the business. “All we are doing at the moment is weighing the pig. How are we going to drive this business forward?”
WINERGIES. Obvious and extremely beneficial synergies. However, people may think you are a bit of a geek if you use it. “There are a number of winergies making
this investment an easy decision”.