Death by Powerpoint

Blamestorming (verb)--To sit around in a group, discussing why a deadline was missed or a project failed, and who was responsible Example of usage: "We don't want to get involved with blamestorming over this." True meaning: "We are SO gonna find out who's to blame." Circle back (verb)--To revisit or follow up at a future point in time.

Example of usage: "Let me look into that and I'll circle back with you in a week or two." True meaning: "I'm going to drop this stink-bomb and hope you forget about it." Drill Down (verb)--To increase detail or further examine at a deeper level.

Example of usage: "We'll need to drill down a bit further to fully analyze this data." True meaning: "I have no idea what these numbers mean." Flagpole (noun)--A symbolic device by which prevailing winds of thought may be measured.

Example of usage: "That's a great idea, Mindy. Let's run it up the flagpole in tomorrow's meeting." True meaning: "That's a stupid idea, Mindy, but I'm not going to be the one to shoot it down.

Let's make it a public spectacle." Sign-Off (noun or verb)--An official "okay" from a superior or co-worker required for a project to proceed.

Example of usage: "We just wanted to get your sign-off on these plans before we move to the next step." True meaning: "We just want to be sure that someone else will have to take the blame if the shit hits the fan." If you work in any kind of office--large or small--the answers to these questions are undoubtedly "yes" and you obviously and desperately need Who Moved My Shovel?.

A life-saving guide to twenty-first century corporate culture, it provides incisive coverage of everything you'll need to getahead (or to simply stay above water): - The Art of Office Politics--sucking up effectively, how to deal with control freaks and that annoying guy with all the "new ideas" - E-Mail Etiquette--responding to ridiculous requests, managing passive-aggressive messages, and how best to undo E-damage - Mandatory Fun--proper etiquette for office parties, the curse of Secret Santa, and undermining your drunken co-workers - Sex in the Workplace--how to spot video surveillance, telltale signs that others are getting it on, dumping etiquette, and the treacherous realm of sex with the boss