active voice

One of the two voices of verbs which is more direct than the passive voice. In a sentence, the active voice indicates that the grammatical subject of the verb performs the action such as "The girl threw the stone."

agenda

A formal list or plan of goals to be accomplished, points to be discussed, matters to be voted on, or items of business to be transacted. Meetings, to be effective, often require an agenda.

bar chart

A visual graphic display of the distribution of data that shows the frequency of a range of variables through the width and height of rectangles. Bar charts are used to plot discrete data with discrete values and to compare the amounts or frequency of occurrence of different characteristics of data. Also called a bar graph.

business communication

The exchange of information and ideas to people within and outside an organization. Business communication can be written or verbal and includes conversations, letters, emails, memos, phone calls, meetings, and presentations.

CC

A carbon copy or duplicate copy of anything written or typed. When composing an email, a message or document can be sent to multiple people by clicking on the CC button.

cliché

A sentence or phrase which usually expresses a common thought or idea that has been overused and has lost its impact and originality. "A drop in the bucket" is an example of a cliché.

continuing education

Post-secondary learning activities and programs that include degree and non-degree credit courses and career training, workforce training, and formal personal enrichment courses. Continuing education can also be self-directed and experiential learning occuring through classroom or independent study, group discussion, and distance learning. Also called adult education.

core competencies

Collective capability and strength of an organization that includes technical knowledge, reliable processes, research and development, and relationships with customers and suppliers. Ideally, core competencies should produce a sustainable competitive advantage over other companies.

creativity

The ability or tendency to have original thoughts, interpretations, and ideas that go beyond the traditional. Creativity may result in new products, processes, and services.

explicit knowledge

Information, skills, and expertise that has been, or can be, verbalized, codified, written, and stored in certain media, such as math and science formulas, numbers, and words. Explicit knowledge is found in resources like books and the internet, and can be readily transmitted or communicated to others.

facilitator

A person who leads or coordinates a group in meetings, work, and discussion. A facilitator assists in achieving group agreement and in reaching goals and objectives.

flow chart

A graphic layout that at a glance provides the various steps in a process, procedure, or program. A flowchart helps to identify flaws and bottlenecks and improve the whole operation.

formal learning

Conscious study, usually in a classroom or school setting, for acquiring new knowledge, skills, behaviors, and information. Formal learning is usually institutionalized, curriculum-driven, and bureaucratic, with grades, degrees, and certificates.

histogram

A visual graphic display of the distribution of data that shows the frequency of a range of variables through the width and height of rectangles. Histograms are used to plot discrete data with discrete values and to compare the amounts or frequency of occurrence of different characteristics of data. Also called a bar chart.

icebreaker

An opening remark, joke, or action that is intentionally introduced to ease tension or reduce formality. Usually used by a presenter when addressing a group to make them relax.

implicit knowledge

Information, skills, and expertise that has not been recorded, but is intuitive and valuable. This know-how can best be communicated face-to-face by experienced employees showing new recruits how things work. Also known as tacit knowledge.

individual competencies

Knowledge, abilities, capacity, or skills required to perform a specific task or function. Improving and developing individual competencies helps an individual to perform better at work and elsewhere.

informal learning

Acquiring skills and knowledge through daily situations on the job, through experience, observation, imitation, or practice. Informal learning occurs mostly outside educational institutions through managers, peers, mentors, and coaches. Work skills, values, language, and culture can be acquired through informal learning. More than 70% of learning in the workplace is informal.

innovation

The creation, development, and introduction of a new product, process, technology, or idea. An innovation is usually meant as an improvement over what is existing.

instant messaging

A system in which typed electronic messages are exchanged instantly using the computer or phone through the Internet or a cellular network. Instant messaging requires a shared software application. Also referred to as IM.

letter

A formal written or printed message addressed to a person or business. A letter is usually sent by post, by hand delivery, or via email.

line chart

A basic graphic or visual display that is useful in displaying trends in data or information that changes continuously over time. The lines connecting the points give estimates of the values between the points. Also called line graph.

memo

A short informal message usually sent between employees of the same company. A memo usually concerns a task to be done.

mentoring

The practice of assigning a junior staff member or new recruit to a more experienced member for assistance and guidance. Mentoring helps train new employees and teach new skills to workers.

personal development

The enhancement of self knowledge, talent, and potential through learning opportunities and experiences. Personal development often involves coaching, counseling, and learning programs.

pie chart

A circular chart with sections or "slices" that represent a proportion of quantitative data. The bigger the slice, the higher the number, magnitude, or percentage.

professional development

The enhancement of knowledge, experience, and skill related to a job or career. Professional development often involves learning opportunities that lead to increased advancement and value in the job market.

proposal

A request or plan offered for acceptance and execution. A proposal clearly defines terms and the advantages of acceptance.

radar chart

A circular graphic display of multivariate data used as a data comparison tool between sets. Radar charts allow a quick review of the overall performance of a team or project. Also called a star or spider graph.

report

A written account, record, or summary completed after an observation or enquiry. A report describes an event, performance, or situation.

sabbatical

A period of leave from a job, usually taken in pursuit of professional development.

socialization

A continuous learning process by which an individual acquires the knowledge, beliefs, skills, behavior, and norms appropriate for functioning within a society. Socialization can occur as a newcomer enters society or a new recruit enters a new working environment.

table

A graphic display of a set of data arranged in parallel rows and columns. A table can visually convey figures, statistics, and changes over time.

tacit knowledge

Information, skills, and expertise that has not been recorded, but is intuitive and valuable. This know-how can best be communicated face-to-face by experienced employees showing new recruits how things work. Also known as implicit knowledge.

teleconferencing

A meeting conducted electronically, usually via telephone or network connection, for participants separated by long distances. Teleconferencing offers potential cost savings in travel and executive time.

videoconferencing

A meeting conducted electronically, usually via videotelephone or network connection, between participants separated by long distances. Videoconferencing involves the use of audio and video, and offers potential cost savings in travel and executive time.