(Push the Envelope is an annoying business term and is just one of the 212 Most Annoying Business Phrases Managers Effuse, Confuse, and Overuse detailed in the hilarious must-have guide for every workplace: The 30,000-Pound Gorilla in the Room. Available right now on Amazon.)

Push the Envelope

An aviation term essentially meaning “to go beyond the established boundaries,” push the envelope has become a favorite among annoying managers of the rah-rah variety.

Instead of leading, these dolts believe they can get more out of their respective teams with hollow jargon and the occasional pep talk. They’ll ask their charges to push the envelope where no envelope exists. That is, no real boundaries have been established… they just want more… of something; and they think they can achieve this through words.

Of course, employees everywhere respond better to clear direction; but, that’s not their concern.

Annoying managers, by their nature, are incapable of clarity… that’s what makes them so damn annoying.

Replacement phrases: No replacement needed; just tell us specifically what you want, ‘kay?

See also: Give 110%; Work Smarter not Harder

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The 30,000-Pound Gorilla in the Room is available on Amazon