Do you know anyone who pushes the envelope at work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Extra effort at work should be acknowledged!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Listen in today, and learn phrases to say someone has gone above and beyond at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michelle asks Lindsay if she knows anyone who likes to push the envelope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lindsay responds that she has met many people who push their luck or push the envelope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, Lindsay and Michelle are going to talk about this expression \u2018push the envelope\u2019 and what it means in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To push the envelope means to do something that\u2019s different or new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can be something that involves an element of danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It usually implies a big change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They may want to accomplish something that is outside of what is typical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The phrase \u2018push the envelope\u2019 is an important expression in business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to achieve certain goals, you have to do things differently and make big changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is about taking risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps you could push the envelope by attempting a new ad campaign, bringing up a new idea to your boss, or changing up a system at work that would improve a routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this context, it’s a positive expression but it can also have a negative connotation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It depends on what the person is doing or it can also refer to the limits of what you need to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pushing the envelope can be overly risky, especially if it may be overstepping or might lead to burnout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nShe\u2019s a good worker, but she tends to push the envelope sometimes with vacation time.
I really think we need to push the envelope here- surprise people with our new design concept.
Do you really want to push the envelope now when everything has been going so well?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhen to push the envelope<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Michelle asks Lindsay when someone should push the envelope and when is it a good idea to play it safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lindsay says discerning when to take a risk shows a certain amount of emotional intelligence<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can take a certain level of experience to make a proper decision whether you should push the envelope or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also use similar expressions to \u2018push the envelope.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nRock the boat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example: <\/strong>Let\u2019s make a big change here- rock the boat a bit!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\nStir things up<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example: <\/strong>I want to stir things up here but I don\u2019t know if our office is ready for new policies.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\nStir the pot<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example:<\/strong> I didn\u2019t mean to stir the pot, but I felt it was prudent I bring this to your attention.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nRoleplay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here is a quick roleplay using the expressions shared in today\u2019s episode that help you say you\u2019re taking a risk at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This will help you better understand how to use them in a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this scenario, Lindsay and Michelle are meeting about new policies at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nMichelle:<\/strong> So we have this big meeting coming up with the head of the company.
Lindsay: <\/strong>Yes. So\u2026I don\u2019t mean to stir the pot, but \u2026I do think some of the policies are a bit extreme.
Michelle: <\/strong>Oh really? I know they are pushing the envelope a bit, but I think they are fine.
Lindsay: <\/strong>Well we can test them out with some of the staff before we present them. See if they think we are rocking the boat too much.
Michelle: <\/strong>Okay, yeah! I don\u2019t think it\u2019s bad to stir things up a bit.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTakeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In the workplace, \u2018pushing the envelope\u2019 means going beyond the usual limits, taking risks, or trying something new to achieve big results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it\u2019s often encouraged to innovate, it\u2019s important to know when to take risks and when to play it safe.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using phrases like “rock the boat,” “stir things up,” or “push the limits” can help describe taking risks at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, be mindful that too much can lead to burnout<\/a> or negative consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Add these phrases to your vocabulary arsenal so you can express yourself well in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also checkout our other podcast episodes that will help you up your business English game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n