A manager's lexicon

Statements designed to forestall attempts by colleagues to find out the how and why of failed projects or indeed the actions of those in charge.

For strategic reasons, we are shelving this project. A many splendoured statement that lends itself to multiple interpretations. It gives the authors of the failed project a great way out of the mess. There is a very clear message that essentially says that the project would have actually succeeded but for a change in the company's strategic priorities. It indicates a certain heroic quality of the senior folks who are willing to abandon good projects at the altar of the common organisational good. It also neatly relieves the burden on the common folk in the organisation, who have been mandated to fly this turkey.

What I am doing is in the interest of the organisation. Mostly used by those at the helm of affairs to drape the dangerous implications of their actions with the flag of organisational patriotism. Once this statement is let loose, it takes great courage for anyone to question either the logic or the motivations behind such an action. Quiescence results, with potentially serious consequences, when the action in question involves big bets involving the company's future.

COMMENT NOW