Meeting vocabulary

Separating fact and fact-based conclusion is very different from gut-based pronouncements. 

Yes, easier said than done. But there are some markers that you can depend on. The caveat is, be mindful of folks for who English is not their first language. 

These are just my observations - may not apply to all. 

1. I feel - this should be challenged for data. 

2. Honestly…. - this undermines the sincerity of the rest of the team. 

3. But we have to ship product!!! - sure. That is what a company does. But that is not what your job function is - especially if working in Quality. Your job is to ship good product and you need to act accordingly. 

4. Not my job description - this should be followed by either a clarification of whose job it is or a clear path for escalation. Usually this is caused by a lack of clarity on what the job is or because people don’t want to add to their work. 

5. Above my pay grade - this is a willingness to let chaos unfold and not create a coherent narrative and bring everyone on the same page. Yes management is paid to deal with bigger issues - but I look at it as an opportunity to show some management skills. 

Also, this is unrelated - but needs to be said - if a meeting invite is without an agenda, it is not to be attended.