How “circle back” become the most used (and hated) work phrase ever

Deciphering office jargon is something easier said than done. Whether it’s in a physical office or in an email during the work-from-home revolution, work talk fluffed with cliche business terms can often leave recipients with a headache trying to understand what the meaning behind the phase is.

Annoying cliches or phrases are used to save time  like sending a three-lettered acronym to a friend, but the meaning isn’t always as clear as “ILY” (I love you) in a text message.

Understanding what a colleague or manager is trying to say shouldn’t be as hard as reading ancient texts. Work without buzzwords and acronyms would make just about everyone’s lives a little bit easier but with everyone on the go and unread emails compiling in inboxes, there’s reasons why these words or phrases are used.

So today, we’re going to talk about “circle back”. The phrase is often used when someone wants to discuss something at a later time, maybe because they aren’t ready to discuss it or perhaps they didn’t get the answer they wanted to hear the first time. The space in between creates question; with question comes problem and anxiety usually follows shortly.

How ‘Circle Back’ Became the Most Used and Hated Work Phrase Ever: The Most Annoying Work Phrase?

Thirteen percent of workers called it the most hated phrase used in the office. In a post discussing “soul-sucking corporate phrases”, Los Angeles Magazine listed circle back as a hated phrase used in the office. Here’s their take on the phrase: “Why is this so crushing? Maybe because it so instantly rolls off the tongue. It’s used so quickly. Hey, maybe I want to get into it right then and there and I should feel like I can, instead of being thoroughly dismissed, because ideas and thoughts and inspiration come when they come, so don’t tell me to siphon off my creativity, and clip my wings and undermine me automatically and assume you’ll always have a better idea.” CNBC called for the phrase to be banned from offices: When your supervisor tells you he or she will “circle back” on an issue, it means “to discuss it later.” Mike Wolfe, co-founder and CEO of WAM Enterprises in Katonah, N.Y., said that it’s one of his most disliked examples of office jargon.“It usually means we just had a meeting where nothing was accomplished, and we need to ‘circle back’ to have another pointless meeting,” he said.

What exactly does it mean to circle back in corporate jargon?

Office jargon was created to make everyday tasks easier, but what someone says and means doesn’t always come out the other way as intended. We are humans and we all have different thought processes. ‘Circling back’ is often perceived as a lack of immediacy in problem-solving.

Ineffective business communication often includes annoying phrases that can be perceived as overly formal or condescending. For example, phrases like ‘Please advise’ can hinder approachable and effective communication among colleagues.

“I think [circle back] is a passive term,” Keystone Partners Vice President Brenda Stanton told Ladders recently. “In an email, you would use it if you wanted to return back to a previous conversation. It’s something you’ve discussed and you want to return back to it. There’s some context; you both know what you’re going to talk about.” Excessive use of jargon like ‘circle back’ can impact company culture by creating confusion and misunderstandings among employees.

The Impact of Office Jargon

Office jargon can have a significant impact on workplace communication, productivity, and employee morale. When overused, jargon can lead to confusion, frustration, and decreased motivation among employees. It can also create a barrier to effective communication, making it difficult for employees to understand and engage with each other. Furthermore, office jargon can perpetuate a culture of exclusivity, where those who are familiar with the jargon feel like they belong, while those who are not feel left out.

In addition, office jargon can also affect the way employees interact with customers and clients. When employees use jargon in their communication with customers, it can lead to confusion and mistrust. Customers may feel like they are not being taken seriously or that the employee is trying to hide something from them. This can ultimately lead to a negative customer experience and damage to the company’s reputation.

When to avoid using circle back

Circle back isn’t as harmful as it’s annoying, but there are times you want to avoid using it, such as when a decision has to be made sooner rather than alter.

Clear and considerate communication among co-workers is crucial, especially in remote and hybrid work environments. Using informal communication styles, like emojis or slang, can help foster connections and enhance workplace effectiveness.

“I wouldn’t use it if there’s something like a deadline because it’s very passive,” Stanton said. “If you need a decision made, I don’t think someone is going to want to hear circle back. It’ll either annoy them or upset them.”

Stanton said be wary about context. If someone comes forth with an idea they think is brilliant, it’s important to remain empathetic even if you don’t have the time to dive into the idea at the moment. Office jargon, such as ‘deep dive’, can come off as unoriginal and mocking, so it’s important to be mindful of the situation.

“I think it could be upsetting or detrimental or insulting to somebody if they really need an answer or a decision has to be made. If someone says ‘let’s just circle back,’ that person is being seen as noncommittal and not being able to make a decision,” Stanton said. “If you’re in a process of contemplation or working on strategy and things that do require contemplative thought, then I would say that it could be used and it would make sense that you would circle back. I don’t think there’s harm but it just depends on the context.”

Being mindful of one’s own language in communication is essential to ensure clarity and understanding.

Adapting to the New World of Workplace Communication

The modern workplace is undergoing a significant shift in the way employees communicate with each other. With the rise of remote work, digital communication tools, and diverse workforces, the need for clear and effective communication has never been more important. However, this shift also brings new challenges, such as the need to adapt to new technologies, navigate different communication styles, and manage the impact of office jargon on workplace communication.

To adapt to this new world of workplace communication, employees need to be flexible, open-minded, and willing to learn. They need to be able to communicate effectively in different contexts, using different tools and technologies. They also need to be aware of the impact of office jargon on their communication and make an effort to use clear and simple language.

Effective Communication Strategies

Effective communication is critical to success in the modern workplace. To communicate effectively, employees need to use clear and simple language, avoid jargon and technical terms, and be mindful of their audience. They also need to be active listeners, paying attention to the needs and concerns of their colleagues and customers.

One effective communication strategy is to use the “plain language” approach. This involves using simple, concise language that is easy to understand, avoiding jargon and technical terms, and focusing on the key message or idea. Another strategy is to use storytelling techniques, such as anecdotes and examples, to make communication more engaging and memorable.

Other ways to say circle back — without using annoying phrases

Stanton said if you’re trying to buy some time, circle back is a good term to use but there are ways to say it without saying it. Phrases like ‘touch base’ and ‘touching base’ are also commonly disliked for their overuse and insincerity in professional communications.

Here’s what she suggested:

• Let’s return back
• Let’s schedule another call

Both seem less passive and sound more welcoming. With the coronavirus pandemic shuffling workers remotely and likely for much, if not all, of 2021, it’s important to remember that the space the office provided for clarification and interaction is not there at the moment. Terms like ‘low hanging fruit’ can also be perceived as lacking ambition, suggesting a preference for easy tasks over more challenging opportunities.

“Technology is amazing but it’s never going to replace the human interaction. You can align these terms with the same thing: when we’re not having physical interactions where we’re not in person, how can you make it more human through your communication,” Stanton said.

She added: “Especially now because we want people to feel more valued and appreciated and building more trust in the remote world. Especially with emails, without having the face-to-face, words are more literal too.” Marketing consultants in the 1960s and 70s popularized phrases like ‘think outside the box’ and ‘win win’, which have since become clichéd.

Creating a Culture of Clear Communication

Creating a culture of clear communication requires a commitment to transparency, simplicity, and inclusivity. It involves encouraging employees to use clear and simple language, avoiding jargon and technical terms, and promoting active listening and open communication.

To create a culture of clear communication, organizations need to lead by example, starting with senior leaders and managers. They need to model clear and effective communication, using simple language and avoiding jargon. They also need to provide training and resources to help employees develop their communication skills and adapt to the changing needs of the workplace.

In addition, organizations need to create a safe and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. This involves promoting a culture of psychological safety, where employees feel valued and respected, and encouraging open and honest communication.

By creating a culture of clear communication, organizations can improve productivity, employee morale, and customer satisfaction. They can also reduce the impact of office jargon on workplace communication and create a more inclusive and effective work environment.