The graduate training scheme I’m on is designed to produce future leaders for the NHS, people who in 10-15 years will be the chief executives and financial directors of multi-million pound trusts. But if you’re gonna get to the top, you gotta know the language. With that in mind, the trainees of the London South and Eastern regions have been working on a management dictionary for the benefit of all:
Circling the plughole – used to describe ideas, theories, practices and so on – particularly when faddish – that are in the process of dying because they are painfully idiotic.
This phrase died out suddenly at a trainess trust when word got round that it is also, unforunately, gay slang for something entirely different. He justified his wages for year when I let that fact slip. For a laugh you may want to introduce this phrase in your work. In times of financial hardship it spreads like wildfire, and you can then sadistically deflate everyone by revealing the other meaning.
Climbing the greasy pole – working your way to the top of the NHS management hierarchy.
Turnaround – term used to mean significant financial cutbacks in an attempt to achieve financial balance.
Milkman – a person renowned for always delivering on their promises/commitments.
Does it stack? – do we make a profit/break even if we make this change to the service?
Service Review – how can we make some cutbacks (probably staff) in order to save money?
Blamestorming – sitting around in a group working out why a deadline was missed/project failed and apportioning due blame.
