Information Research Weblog

Last year I posted a message about a book on the decline of 'public language' by Don Watson - Death Sentence. Well, Don now has another one out: 'Watson's dictionary of weasel words, contemporary clichés, can and management jargon', now available from Knopf (Australia). You can read the introduction here.

I hope to have a review ready for the October issue of the journal, but, in the meantime, you might appreciate one or two of the definitions:

circle of strength

A management term. It might derive from the ancient Druids. If not the Druids, the Elizabethans. If not the Elizabethans, possibly Tibetan Buddhism.

'The Circle... reveals the dynamic pattern various behaviours seem to invite within an interaction.'
Circles of Influence, Building Capacity Through Partnerships and Collaboration Conference, Canada

 

fast track

Short cut to achievement of agreed outcomes

 

networking

To exchange business cards, glances, etc. Have a drink, take tea, dine with. Do what's necessary. (More if it's agreeable.)

'I networked my arse off.'
Participant in governance seminar