Everyday Office Jargon · Associate level

"Plant the seed"

"Plant the seed" means to introduce an idea gradually or informally so that it can grow in someone's mind over time.

Say this instead: introduce the idea

How "Plant the seed" shows up at work

Favored in pre-meeting strategy conversations and stakeholder management. "Plant the seed" implies patience and political awareness, which is a polite way of saying the idea cannot survive direct evaluation.

Buzzword

Before the board meeting, I want to plant the seed with a few members individually.

Plain English

Before the board meeting, I want to introduce the idea to a few members individually.

Corporate Rank: Associate · Category: Everyday Office Jargon

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