Language [n.]Text or content. “You need to rework the language on the Broker portal.”
Suggested by Elise B.
Languaged [v.]Composed a document. “I’m happy to see that you finally languaged the new protocol.”
Suggested by Michael D.
Last man standing [n.]The senior-most employee remaining after a round of executive lay-offs. The last man standing usually inherits a set of responsibilities that he is totally unqualified to perform.
Suggested by Mad Casual.
Lateraled [v.]To be transferred to another position at your current level. “Instead of the promotion I wanted, I was lateraled to another division.”
Lawyer up [v.]Assembling a team of attorneys, usually after PR efforts have failed to sway public opinion.
Lay of the land [n.]The current state of things. “What’s the lay of the land up your way?”
Suggested by Hieronymous B.
Lay your silver on the table [v.]To fully describe the products or services offered during a sales meeting. “Just look each one in the eye and lay your silver on the table.”
Lead balloon [n.]A complete failure.
Lead lung [n.]Spokesperson. “Please direct your questions to Mr. Harris. He’s lead lung until further notice.”
Lean in [n.]The act of appearing engaged and motivated, when you actually just want to throw up.
Suggested by KT.
Learnings [n.]New knowledge gained from a given experience. “As a post-mortem, what learnings we can take away from this exercise?”
Suggested by Eric.
Leave-behind [n.]Information presented on a sheet of paper. “Make sure you really sell it with the trade show leave-behind.”
Suggested by Elise B.
Left lane [v.]To accelerate a project. “I’ll need to requisition more personnel to left lane your ideas.”
Suggested by Johny C.
Left-handed compliment [n.]Congratulations that are actually subtle insults.
Legal scrub [exp.]Having a lawyer re-word a document to reduce the risk of future legal action.
Lens [n.]A point of view; a corporate microscope. “I want to make sure that we’re looking at this through the right lens.”
Suggested by Ben.
Let it drip [v.]Allowing time for a new idea to become known and understood. “Let it drip a little longer next time and you won’t shock the board.”
Suggested by Brian
Level-set [v.]To ensure that everyone is at the same ‘level’ of understanding. “You better level-set your team before you send them on-site.”
Leverage [v.]To make use a resource.
Lick and a promise [exp.]Insufficient preparation. “Tom sent me into the shareholder’s meeting with nothing but a lick and a promise.”
Lifehack [n.]Any method of improving one’s productivity or quality of life. “I’ve discovered this great lifehack that lets me sleep less, but have much more energy.”
Lightning rod [n.]An individual that is a common target.
Lights-on initiative [n.]A key project that is necessary to keep the business afloat, or the ‘lights on’. “Until further notice, I need every soul committed to our lights-on initiatives.
Suggested by Al D.
LIHOM [n.]Legend In His/her Own Mind.
Line of sight [n.]A clear view of the goal/target. Helps you bring a little battlefield to the boardroom.
Suggested by RADEY.
Link in [v.]To connect or consult with others.
Lipstick on a pig [exp.]An attempt to put a favorable spin on a negative situation. “Tim’s sales numbers are terrible. Even he can’t put lipstick on that pig.”
Suggested by Ben S.
Locked and loaded [adj.]Ready to execute a plan or contract. Best used to describe clients who are flush with cash and/or wasted drunk.
Suggested by Julian G.
LOMBARD [n.]Lots Of Money But A Real Dumbass.
Long con [n.]Working for years at a job you should have never been hired for, without any oversight, accountability, or line of communication.
Long-game [adj.]In the long term. “See, I understand how things work Long-Game.”
Suggested by Iain.
Loop-in [v.]To apprise. “Loop me in on the latest market numbers.”
Loose-Tight model [n.]An excuse to avoid the work of defining guidelines/boundaries, but then blocking suggestions out of perceived risk and fear.
Suggested by Betina N.
Lose the bubble [v.]To forget about or neglect. “I’ve lost the bubble on the Henderson account. Where do we stand?”
Suggested by Christine C.
Lost in the sauce [adj.]Describes someone lacking direction and a clear job definition. “Make sure the new recruits don’t get lost in the sauce.”
Suggested by Lost French.
Low decision latitude [exp.]The inability to make any important choices.
Suggested by Paul M.
Low-ball [n., v.]A very low offer. “They heard about our layoffs and started low-balling on their service renewals.”
Low-hanging fruit [n.]Relatively simple problems that can be addressed with minimal effort.
Suggested by Phil
Luck surface area [n.]Conscious efforts to increase the likelihood of positive chance events. Pseudo-profound boss says, “Cultivate serendipity by expanding your luck surface area.”
Luddites [n.]People who are hesitant to adopt new technologies. For many, this is a point of pride.
Lunch and Learn [n.]A management trick for adding an extra hour to your workday by holding meetings during lunch. A food bribe may be offered
Suggested by Kurt.