Going backward: how the phrase 'going forward' has infected business conversation

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This column is about strong language, which explains why it contains some. Swearing can be useful in the office, but there are some rules you should follow.

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Imagine a brave new world where electronic tagging of employees brings the study of management out of the dark ages. Lucy Kellaway peeks into a frightening future as scientists strive to answer why some companies and managers are so good - and others so bad.

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A new theory of happiness says the only reliable pleasures in life are the small ones. So what small pleasures can you find in an office?

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Listening is really easy - any old fool can do it - so it can't therefore be a key skill for CEOs, argues Lucy Kellaway. So why do so many business leaders go on about it?

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The problem with being truthful about missing work is the reason can be embarrassing or implausible.

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The glass ceiling or labyrinth fall short of explaining why women don't make it to the top. Perhaps, argues Lucy Kellaway, women should look at themselves.

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Long ago, before e-mail, the return from holiday was a leisurely thing

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'We' doesn't imply teamwork or even people who like each other. It is just the mundane experience of office life

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There are many reasons to be happy in the office in August - but needless e-mails from control freaks on holiday isn't one of them.

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