Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Emily Ma is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Emily Ma and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Email
Print
Do you hate being called cliché? Do buzzwords piss you off? Do you avoid certain discussions just because they’re cliche?
Maybe, just maybe, you even look down on people who you consider to be cliché or that uses buzzwords?
I think we all do to some extent…but why do we do it? Is it a smart move (professionally) to avoid “clichés” or do we just do it because we find it to be embarrassing to fall into a cliché?
If you’re not using buzzwords just because you don’t want to be cliché, you’re missing the point. The point isn’t the wording or definitions. It’s what they actually represent. It’s the concept, or idea behind them. If you disagree with the concept behind the cliché, then that’s fine…but don’t avoid it simply because it’s cliché.
If you’re getting caught up in not looking “cliché” by avoiding buzz words, you’re probably missing opportunities.
There’s a reason that things are considered cliché. It’s because they make sense, they’re popular and they’re widely accepted. As a professional, wouldn’t you want to tap into that?
I’ve said it many times before, but I learn a lot of my life lessons from South Park. In the episode, “You Got F’d in the A“, Stan tries to recruit some kids to join his dance crew. He reaches out to the goth kids for help…
Stan: Please, you guys, our whole town’s reputation is at stake! Will any of you do it?
Red Bang Goth: I’m not doin’ it. Being in a dance group is totally conformist.
Henrietta: Yeah. I’m not conforming to some dance-off regulations.Little Goth: I’m not doin’ it either. I’m the biggest nonconformist of all.
Tall Goth: I’m such a nonconformist that I’m not going to conform with the rest of you. Okay, I’ll do it.
So, in summary… if you’re avoiding clichés just because they’re clichés, then you’re being pretty cliché. Make your own decisions. Don’t approve, or disapprove of something simply because of it’s popularity.
Thoughts?
For more timely, relevant, and engaging articles,
subscribe to Brazen Careerist.
- Continuing Education: Extending Learning Beyond Your Campus Years
- A New Kind of Business Mover and Shaker
- Why You Might Be Better Off Without a Job After College
- The Anti-Stalker’s Guide for Converting Online Contact into Real World Collaboration
- How To Find a Writing Partner Who Can Help You Achieve Your Goals and Make More Money
Comments
01.05.10
Yeah this is a really good point. I think that many people avoid them for the same reasons of stigma as you say - to avoid using something that is overused.
I know that even today in a meeting - someone used the popular business phrase "Wearing a variety of hats" in reference to someone's position, and I immediately cringed. I think there's a time and place for cliches - we just have to be careful in how we use them.
Great ideas!
01.05.10
I think this brings up some really good points. I don't think you should do or say something just because its fad, but if it makes sense or is appropriate for certain situations then I think its absolutely fine. It can serve to show that as a person is up to speed with what is going on around them as long as they don't overuse or become a walking cliche'.
Good post :)
01.05.10
Beth: It's true but there's a reason that "wearing many hats" has become cliche. It's because it works. It's easy to understand and it applies to a great deal of professional situations. To avoid saying it, and seek a new way of saying it just because it's cliche...well that's pretty cliche! See what I mean? Don't get me wrong, I cringe at the sound of some buzzwords and cliches too. The problem isn't the cliche though, it's when people use the cliches to cover up their BS because they have no idea what they're actually talking about.
Abigail: If you're doing saying and using everything that's cliche, then chances are you have no idea what you're doing. But a true professional, isn't afraid to touch on cliches, or do something that's considered to be cliche, when it's valuable to their goals.
01.05.10
I avoid being cliche like the plague! :)
No but seriously, I think it's just about doing what works, whether it's what everyone else does or whether you've decided to break from the pact. Cut the crap, be true to yourself and go where you must!
Great post, David!
01.05.10
"The problem isn't the cliche though, it's when people use the cliches to cover up their BS because they have no idea what they're actually talking about." Exactly.
What's most important to me is straightforward honest communication. I'm much more sensitive to bullshit than I am to a phrase that may be frequently used.
Got Something To Say?
Got Something To Say?
Not a Member? Brazen Careerist is a career management tool for next-generation professionals. Set up a free account today to comment on this post and start sharing your ideas. Learn more.
Login to view your networks!
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
