Below is a list of the top 5 terms I see used, along with some working definitions. 😎
1. Parking lot
Where ideas go to die, alone. Translation — “I don’t want to, or am not prepared to address that right now, or it’s outside of scope. So basically I’m not going to answer your question or idea.” What’s more, is that your idea will be headed to a make-believe place known as “the parking lot.” There is a presumption that we will all gather again and address these ideas later — but it’s been 4 years of sales leadership and I’m still waiting for the parking lot ideas. (Reminds me of Mitch Hedberg’s “Dufresne Party of 2.” People are missing). Perhaps the parking lot was full of unreturned shopping carts — my #1 pet peeve. Be a human, return the cart. Maybe you’ll find some big ideas laying around.
2. Hard stop
I’m already tuning you out, so am announcing my ‘get out of jail free card’ known as a “Hard stop.” I realize schedule conflicts happen. My personal favorite hard stops are ones that are declared mid-point of the call. Because those can actually be of benefit to everyone. You give the speakers time to audible, clarify, and quickly prioritize the agenda so the most important topics are discussed. All because of Tom’s hard stop. Bless you Tom. Perhaps we have stumbled upon a way to improve meetings and make them more impactful, just by applying a sense of urgency. Hard stop is a professional way of saying, get to the point…lets wrap this up.
3. Circle back
This is the pooch punt, just kick it down the field somewhere. Perhaps to an undiscovered or abandoned parking lot?
4. Talk offline
Some conversations contain sensitive information, and need to be taken to a more confidential place with less eyes and ears. Offline is like a top secret invite only parking lot. Sometimes, if you’re lucky to be taken offline you can circle back on some of the parking lot ideas. The trifecta.
5. Double muted
The confidence killer. When you go on Zoom mute + phone mute and can’t get back on to chime in. Happened to me the last week. This typically happens when I am on a Zoom call via cell phone. Once you start answering an email or text and multitasking, the connection to the zoom app can be lost, but audio is still available. When your name gets called for some commentary, you can’t log back into the app fast enough to unmute. Busted!
Anything to add? What are your favorites? Which of these Zoom phrases could be adopted / translated to face to face meetings as we transition back?
