Business Idioms#8 【Back to square one】

職場で役立つイディオムを紹介するシリーズBusiness Idioms (B.I.)
第8回の本日は”Back to square one”と
”back to the drawing board”です。

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Business Idioms #8

Back to square one
Back to the drawing board

In our last blog we looked at cutting corners and saw that despite saving money for the company the idea of using second rate materials was not well received. The company put quality first and the proposal didn’t, so I am certain that the person responsible had to start over and redesign the product. This is very common in business; many projects and proposals get started and then changed, redesigned or rethought.

Back to square one – to start over or go back the beginning. Similar to a board game; where a wrong move or unlucky roll of the dice will send the player back to the first square on the board.

“They did not accept our proposal. I think we need to go back to square one.”

Back to the drawing board – we often associate the drawing board with the design process, when something fails and it needs to be redesigned or reconsidered. Not necessarily starting over but perhaps changed slightly to meet the needs of the client.

“We are not getting the results we anticipated, let’s go back to the drawing board and see if we can make this better.”

Conversation 1

Team member 1: So what did the bosses think of our proposal for reducing costs and increasing revenues?

Team member 2: Well they liked the idea of increased profits but they did not think that using lower quality parts is the way to go. We need to maintain our quality standards and try to lower the cost.

Team member 1: That makes sense; it certainly is consistent with the company philosophy. I guess we need to go back to square one to see if we can find a different solution.

Conversation 2

Manager: I have just seen the performance results of the prototype and they are a little disappointing. As you know we have minimum standards that need to be met before we go to market with the new product.

Employee: OK, perhaps we should simply scrap the project and look a totally new concept.

Manager: Actually I think we are almost there with the current design. Let’s go back to the drawing board and see if we can redesign it in order to get the results we need.

Employee: Alright, back to the drawing board!

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Lost in Translation Part.19 モーニングサービス

和製英語と英語の違いを説明するシリーズLost in Translation
第19回の本日は”モーニングサービス”です。

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Lost in Translation Part 19
モーニングサービス(Complimentary Breakfast)


(c) icebergpicture ｜写真素材 PIXTA

In your business travels, undoubtedly, you will end up staying in a foreign hotel. Each country has its own terms and names for the many services that a hotel offers. In the U.S. it is the same. Though ‘Morning Service’ (モーニングサービス) doesn’t make sense in English, there are two similar phrases that do.

The exact meaning of モーニングサービス translates as ‘complimentary breakfast’ or ‘breakfast included.’ Depending on the hotel breakfast may be served in the dining room either a la carte or it may be served buffet style.

The second phrase that is similar to モーニングサービス is ‘room service’. Many hotels offer room service, which as the name suggests, indicates that your meal will be brought to your room.

A word of caution; sometimes you will be asked about having your room “serviced.” For example; the housekeeping staff call and ask what time you would like your room serviced. In this case they are referring to having your room cleaned. It is important to know who is asking the question so you know what they are asking.

A further point about “room service” is that it can refer to both the services that a hotel has and the department that is responsible for it. Here is an example:

If you are calling the front desk from your room, you would usually begin like this: “Hello, is this Room Service? I’d like to order….” So, you actually refer to the department as ‘room service.’ You could also refer to the service; “excuse me, does the hotel offer room service?”

Be careful when referring to morning service, you may get new sheets instead of breakfast.

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※The English described in this blog is from an American perspective. Cultural reactions and vocabulary might be different in other countries like Canada, Britain and Australia.

Business Idioms#7 【cut corners】

職場で役立つイディオムを紹介するシリーズBusiness Idioms (B.I.)
第7回の本日は”cut corners ”です。

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Business Idioms #7
cut corners

In today’s world we are often faced with making tough decisions. Sometimes we need to decide between cost and quality, time and money or the most direct route to a solution.

to cut corners - to take a short cut or the easy way either to save time, money or energy. Generally this has negative connotations.

“I need this job done well, please make certain that you don’t cut corners.”

We often use this expression to highlight poor workmanship, a lack of quality or putting cost savings ahead of a good job.

Conversation 1

Manager: Can I speak to you for a minute? It is about that proposal you prepared for the client. The cost price seems a little low to me.

New employee: Yes, I was able to get some great pricing on some lower quality materials. So our cost is very low. We can now charge clients almost the same price and increase our profits.

Manager: Oh I see, Well, I can appreciate what you were trying to do but I should tell you that at this company we put quality first. We do not cut corners in order to make more money. We find that the best way to increase revenues is by keeping our customers happy.

Conversation 2

Manager: I have just spoken to our client and they are in a tough situation. They have just received a last minute order and need us to complete their order in 2 days.

Employee: But that is almost impossible. We would not be able to do a full quality inspection and test on every item in that time frame.

Manager: I realize that and I have explained the situation to the client. He is aware of the problem and has asked us to do whatever we can. As you know we do not cut corners here but in this case we need to find a way to meet that deadline. Are there any suggestions?

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Lost in Translation Part.18 Special Edition 大君

和製英語と英語の違いを説明するシリーズLost in Translation
第18回の本日はSpecial Editionです！

Special Edition 1の今回は日本語に由来する英語、
Tycoon（大君：日本国大君）をご紹介いたします。

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Lost in Translation Part.18
Special Edition 1
Tycoon (Taken from: 大君)

In “Lost in Translation,” we have covered many words of English origin that have been adopted into the Japanese vocabulary. Though not as numerous, there are words of Japanese origin that have been adopted into the English vocabulary, as well. Definitely one of the earliest- possible the earliest- Japanese word adopted into English is Tycoon.

The word 大君 originated during the Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan. With Japan looking inward more and more and trying to pull away from both Western and Chinese influence, the new Shogun needed a title for himself that did not usurp the Emperor (天皇), but also did not subjugate Japan to China (国王). He decided on 大君, which can be translated as “Great Lord” or “Supreme Commander.”

(c) 獅子丸 ｜写真素材 PIXTA

When Japan was opened by Commodore Matthew Perry in the mid-1800s, the title 大君 was brought back to the U.S. It is said that President Lincoln was jokingly referred to as The Tycoon by a couple of his aides. Eventually, though, with the fall of the Shogun from power, the term was applied to industrialists like John D. Rockefeller and William Randolph Hearst.

In the English meaning of the word, tycoon refers to a successful businessman that has amassed a sizeable amount of his fortune from one industry. For example, Rockefeller was an Oil Tycoon and Hearst was a Print Tycoon. Another famous tycoon was Andrew Carnegie who was one of the most famous philanthropists in the U.S. Carnegie hall was one of his many contributions to society.

Though the term is somewhat dated in English, the term can still be applied to modern businessmen such as Bill Gates of Microsoft and Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic. So much so is the term tycoon part of English that a multitude of business simulation computer games have adopted tycoon as their titles (Zoo Tycoon, Airline Tycoon, Rollercoaster Tycoon, etc…).

In addition to the term tycoon, English has many other similar words like industrialist, baron, magnate and mogul- another word in English that was adopted from another language.

Examples:

“Bill Gates is a computer tycoon.”

“He is a real tycoon.” (This phrase means the speaker believes someone to be successful, or that they have a strong drive to succeed.

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※The English described in this blog is from an American perspective. Cultural reactions and vocabulary might be different in other countries like Canada, Britain and Australia.

【お知らせ】実戦「使える英語学習法」セミナーを開催いたします

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　◇… PEGLニュース …◇

本日、2010年3月15日（月）は『実戦「使える英語学習法」セミナー』を実施いたします。

ご参加の方は19:30までに集合場所に０お集まりください。（受付は19:15～）

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Business Idioms#6 【In the same boat】

職場で役立つイディオムを紹介するシリーズBusiness Idioms (B.I.)
第6回の本日は”In the same boat ”です。

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Business Idioms #6
In the same boat

We often find ourselves sympathizing with people and their situation and one of the best ways to help is to assure them that they are not alone; that other people have been in the same situation and can help them. It is often reassuring to know that the person you are speaking to has experienced or is experiencing the same thing.

In the same boat – to be in the same situation as someone else.

“I am in exactly the same boat, too much work and not enough time.”

The first week

You have started working at your new company and a more senior team member has been showing your around the office, has introduced you to your new colleagues and is now training you for your new position.

Conversation 1
New employee: Wow, thank you for showing me around and helping me get started here. There is so much to learn. I can’t even remember everyone’s name!

Colleague: Don’t mention it. I am just doing my job. It is always nice to spend time with new staff and to feel the energy and passion of new recruits.

New employee: Well I really appreciate it. It is a bit overwhelming. I am honestly not sure I will be able to handle it. I am worried this job may be too much for me.

Colleague: Listen, I was in exactly the same boat 10 years ago. Fresh out of university, living away from home for the first time and trying to start my career. It is a big challenge but you will do just fine. Just come to me when you have questions and I will do my best to help.

Sometimes we think we are alone in our current situation and it is nice to learn that others are dealing with the same issues.

Conversation 2
Colleague 1: Hey, how are you doing? Is everything going well in the Tokyo office?

Colleague 2: I am doing OK but it has been a really tough year. We are working long hours but it is really difficult to get ahead. Sales are just slow in coming.

Colleague 1: I totally understand. We are in the same boat at the Osaka branch. This economy is a really tough one to sell in.

Colleague 2: Well, it is nice to hear we are not the only ones dealing with it. Hopefully things turn around soon.
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Lost in Translation Part.17 サービスエリア

和製英語と英語の違いを説明するシリーズLost in Translation
第17回の本日は”サービスエリア”です。

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Lost in Translation Part 17

サービスエリア(Rest Area / Rest Stop）

Japan is a wonderfully easy country to commute in. With the various Metro systems and commuter trains- not to mention the Japanese Bullet Train- people can travel throughout most of the country without using a car. In the U.S., however, there is a strong ‘highway culture.’ Though it may not be so in Japan, you may find yourself on the road during a business trip to the U.S. For this reason, it’s important to note the difference between service area (サービスエリア) and rest area.

A rest area is very similar to the picture below. In the U.S., a rest area usually only has a bathroom and parking spaces that you may stay at overnight or simply rest for a while. Some rest areas may have picnic tables and vending machines. It’s very rare that a food stall be there. They are always located off the side of the freeway.

(c) イシコ ｜写真素材 PIXTA

Japanese rest areas (サービスエリア) usually have more amenities and look similar to the first picture below. This is extremely rare in the U.S. To have restaurants and convenience stores, you’ll most likely have to leave the freeway and go to a truck stop similar to the second picture below.


(c) spwk ｜写真素材 PIXTA

(c) Hillview ｜写真素材 PIXTA

The phrase service area in English is quite different from its meaning in Japanese. The word service area in English would most like make native speakers think of either a gas station or a repair shop for cars.

So, please remember that if you are planning on travelling in the U.S. for either business or pleasure and would like to avoid confusion, be sure to ask the driver to pull over at the next rest stop or rest area.
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※The English described in this blog is from an American perspective. Cultural reactions and vocabulary might be different in other countries like Canada, Britain and Australia.

◆ ツイッター に大前研一 ＢＯＴ 誕生

最近何かと注目されている「Twitter（ツイッター）」。

本日より、大前研一教授の過去の発言が毎日２－３フレーズずつ届く
「大前研一　ＢＯＴ」がスタートしました。

＊ＢＯＴとは、有名人の名言などが自動的に届くサービスの事です。

▼大前研一ＢＯＴ登録（フォロー）はこちら
　http://twitter.com/ohmaebot

ツイッター登録されていない方も、名前とメルアドだけで簡単に
ＩＤ作成できますので、ぜひお試しください♪

＊本日時点でのフォロー数は＜717名＞です。

事務局・山口

Business Idioms#5 【Get down to the nuts and...】

職場で役立つイディオムを紹介するシリーズBusiness Idioms (B.I.)
第5回の本日は”Getting down to the nuts and bolts of the problem”です。

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Business Idioms #5
Getting down to the nuts and bolts of the problem.

If you have spent any time working with your hands perhaps in carpentry or working on your car you are well aware of the importance of nuts and bolts. They are the most basic of parts but critical to the job at hand. Often when looking at a problem we can get distracted by other issues and fail to see what the real problem is.

Get down to the nuts and bolts - to get to the root of the problem or task. To really focus on the basics fixing the little things that leads to major issues.

“I think that is not really going to solve the problem long term. We need to get down to the nuts and bolts to really come up with a long term solution.”

Conversation 1

Supervisor: I understand that the employees are upset about the new direction and have decided not to fully support our new project.

Employee: I have to be honest; they do not feel that it is something that they can support. They don’t think it will work in turning the company around.

Supervisor: I am sorry to hear that. Can you give me any insight into why they feel this way?

Employee: Well they are concerned that it will lead to more job cuts.

Supervisor: I see. So it is less about the new project and more about job security? I can tell you that we are actually anticipating a need to increase the workforce.

Employee: That sounds great but that has not been communicated to the employees.

Supervisor: OK; now we are getting to the nuts and bolts of it. The real issues seems to be in how we rolled out this new idea. I think we need to look at our communication procedures.

Conversation 2

Employee 1: We need to find a solution to this before the end of the week.

Employee 2: I know but the solutions all seem focused on the short-term.

Employee 1: Well let’s look at the nuts and bolts of the problem and see if we can fix it once and for all.
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Business Idioms#4 【A breath of fresh air】

職場で役立つイディオムを紹介するシリーズBusiness Idioms (B.I.)
第4回の本日は”A breath of fresh air ”です。

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Business Idioms #4
A breath of fresh air.

There are usually many reasons that an employer decides to hire a certain candidate. Of course a position is available but why hire one person over another? It could be experience, knowledge, or training and it can also come down to personality. When we hire a new person often we are hoping that they will bring a fresh perspective and energy to the team.

A breath of fresh air - to clear your head or to bring a new and positive attitude to a team or office, similar to opening your windows on a warm spring day to clear out the stale air of winter.

“I want to compliment you; you have been a real breath of fresh air since joining the team. Keep up the good work.”

Used in this sense it is a very nice thing to say to a new employee who has brought a new approach and attitude that has impacted the other members of the team. Perhaps their enthusiasm for the job has reminded more experienced staff that the job is very enjoyable or they have brought new ideas to the team.

Conversation 1

Supervisor: Thank you for joining me today. It is company policy to sit down with all new staff after 3 months to discuss their performance to date. How are you enjoying the job so far?

Employee: It has been great. I am enjoying the challenge and the training was very thorough. I also really enjoy working with everyone in the office.

Supervisor: That is great to hear. I must tell you that I the other employees tell me that you have been a real breath of fresh air around here and that your coworkers have gotten reenergized since your arrival.

Conversation 2

Manager: Welcome to the team. We are really excited to have you join the team.

New employee: Thank you, I am happy to be here. You mentioned in the interview process that you felt that the team needed a breath of fresh air. Can you elaborate a little.

Manager: Yes, that is exactly what we need here. We have a team made up of long term employees and while we love their loyalty and their consistency we feel there is a need for some new ideas and a new energy. We are hoping that you can be that breath of fresh air.

New employee: Well, I will certainly do my best. Thank you for the opportunity.

Please keep in mind that on occasion someone will look to step away from an intense meeting in order to refresh themselves and the clear their head. Be mindful of the context;

“I am just going to step outside for a breath of fresh air.”

Ironically this is often for a cigarette, not exactly fresh air but the result tends to be the same.
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