(Sync 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.)

Sync

Why do we suddenly need to sync with everyone? Notice we didn’t write “get in sync;” no, that would make too much sense – and it would be the correct way to use sync in these instances.

If you’re like Steve, you’ve heard your share of annoying bosses urging you to “be sure to sync with Larry on that project.”

I’m sorry; do what with Larry? No offense, but I don’t bat for that team. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)

Why is it sync, anyway? Why not merge or blend or fuse or meld?

Also – and this is part of what makes the use of sync so annoying in the office – that irritating manager asking you to sync with someone most often just wants you to meet with them and gain an understanding about whatever it is they’re working on.

No need to sync with Larry, just have him level set you so you’re up to speed and you’re both on the same page.

Ugh… maybe sync is not so bad after all.

Replacement phrases: Get in sync; Come to an agreement; Become fully informed

See also: On the Same Page; Level Set; Up to Speed

…

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