Business

SECOND EDITION

Advanced  International Wordlist

Unit 1
accountable for ​ /əˈkaʊntəbl fə(r)/ I’m accountable for everything that goes on in Production
phrase Planning.
be no point ​phrase /biː nəʊ pɔɪnt/ There’s no point me rambling on if you can’t understand.
build relationships ​ /bɪld rɪˈleɪʃnʃɪps/ Doing your homework is essential for building relationships
phrase with businesses across cultures.
build your skills ​ /bɪld jɔː(r) skɪlz/ Building your intercultural skills will give you a better
phrase insight.
can’t go wrong ​ /kɑːnt ɡəʊ rɒŋ/ We can’t go wrong with the way property values are
phrase increasing.
consider ​
v /kənˈsɪdə(r)/ We considered the advantages and disadvantages before going
ahead with the plan.
coordinate ​v /kəʊˈɔːdɪneɪt/ My role is to coordinate what happens between departments.
down to earth ​adj /ˌdaʊn tu ˈɜːθ/ New Zealanders are very down to earth and very easy-going.
easy-going ​adj /ˌiːziˈɡəʊɪŋ/ My manager has an easy-going attitude towards timekeeping.
find something to /faɪnd ˈsʌmθɪŋ tə I found it to be more of a ski resort than a business centre.
be ​
phrase biː/
form an opinion ​ /fɔːm ən əˈpɪnjən/ Keep an open mind: don’t form an opinion too early.
phrase
get on somebody’s /ɡet ɒn ˈsʌmbədiz Making sure that communication is optimal entails a lot of
case ​phrase keɪs/ getting on people’s cases.
get on top of things ​ /ɡet ɒn tɒp əv θɪŋz/ After two years I’ve now managed to get on top of things.
phrase
get to the point ​ /ɡet tə ðə pɔɪnt/ To get to the point, we want to help out all the sites around
phrase the world.
give somebody an /ɡɪv ˈsʌmbədi ən Greater cultural awareness will give you a better insight into
insight ​
phrase ˈɪnsaɪt/ working with other nationalities.
go so far as to say ​ /ɡəʊ səʊ fɑː(r) əz I wouldn’t go so far as to say that they don’t speak English
phrase tə seɪ/ at all.
jettison ​
v /ˈdʒetɪsn/ I’m empowered to jettison any sub-standard products.
keep an open mind ​ /kiːp ən ˈəʊpən Petra kept an open mind while she was investigating the
phrase maɪnd/ cause.
keep your eyes /kiːp jɔː(r) aɪz Keep your eyes open as observation skills may be clouded.
open ​phrase ˈəʊpən/
low-key ​
adj /ˌləʊ ˈkiː/ It’s not surprising that New Zealand lifestyle is more low-key.
make somebody /meɪk ˈsʌmbədi I did have some problems which makes me a bit wary.
wary ​
phrase ˈweəri/
manage unknowns ​ /ˈmænɪdʒ ʌnˈnəʊnz/ Business is about managing unknowns.
phrase
open-minded ​adj /ˌəʊpən ˈmaɪndɪd/ I could be more open-minded – I was too quick to judge.
optimize ​
v /ˈɒptɪmaɪz/ We’re currently optimizing the quality assurance procedures.
out-of-the-way ​
adj /aʊt əv ðə weɪ/ The building itself is in an out-of-the-way industrial zone.
outspoken ​adj /aʊtˈspəʊkən/ He’s so outspoken that it can come across as arrogance.

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point out ​phr v /pɔɪnt aʊt/ I’d like to point out that I have been continually improving
procedures.
process /ˈprəʊses Your mind is processing a lot of information in new
information ​ ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn/ environments.
phrase
read a situation ​ /riːd ə ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃn/ Being able to read a situation will greatly improve your
phrase chances of success.
reluctant ​
adj /rɪˈlʌktənt/ I’m a bit reluctant to recommend the site at this stage.
run-of-the-mill ​adj /ˌrʌn əv ðe ˈmɪl/ Meetings can be run-of-the-mill – quite dull, really.
self-assured ​adj /ˌself əˈʃʊəd/ The people are confident, self-assured and outspoken.
sound promising ​ /saʊnd ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/ I’ve had a look through it, and well, it all sounds very
phrase promising.
take on board ​ /teɪk ɒn bɔːd/ I’m ready to take on board anything I can about how to
phrase improve.
take your time ​ /teɪk jɔː(r) taɪm/ Take your time to process all the information before deciding.
phrase
tedious ​
adj /ˈtiːdiəs/ I can see the need for formality, but it got kind of tedious.
the global picture ​ /ðə ˈɡləʊbl It’s becoming ever more important to look at the global
n ˈpɪktʃə(r)/ picture.
the point is ​phrase /ðə pɔɪnt ɪz/ The point is, we can’t keep on top of demand.
the point of ​phrase /ðə pɔɪnt əv/ What’s the point of me being here today?
time-consuming ​ /ˈtaɪm kənsjuːmɪŋ/ I found all the constant formality very time-consuming.
adj
unexpected ​adj /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/ One of the most unexpected things for me was how
entertaining they are.
up-and-coming ​adj /ˌʌp ənd ˈkʌmɪŋ/ It’s so up-and-coming, investment is pouring into the place.
weigh up the pros /weɪ ʌp ðə prəʊz Weigh up the pros and cons of your way of doing things.
and cons ​phrase ənd kɒnz/
work both ways ​ /wɜːk bəʊθ weɪz/ It’ll work both ways as we’ll both benefit.
phrase

Unit 2
benefits ​
n pl /ˈbenɪfɪts/ There’s something empowering about a steady pay cheque, fixed
work hours and company benefits.
broaden /ˈbrɔːdn ˈsʌmbədiz Being assigned to other departments can broaden your
somebody’s həˈraɪznz/ horizons.
horizons ​
phrase
burn out from ​ /bɜːn aʊt frəm/ Are you too burnt out from your previous job to do the work?
phrase
come back to ​phr v /kʌm bæk tə/ Can I suggest we come back to this point a bit later on?
come in ​phr v /kʌm ɪn/ If I could just come in there and mention the feedback
we’ve had.
come up with ​phr v /kʌm ʌp wɪð/ Can you come up with the ideas?
committed ​
adj /kəˈmɪtɪd/ We need employees who are committed to the profession.
conditions of /kənˈdɪʃnz əv Let’s talk about the conditions of employment.
employment ​ n pl ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/
demand ​
v /dɪˈmɑːnd/ We’d have to demand very high grades from the school-leavers.
employment /ɪmˈplɔɪmənt They’d be happy to take a secure employment opportunity.
opportunity ​n ˌɒpəˈtjuːnəti/
evidence ​
n /ˈevɪdəns/ I’d like to see more evidence of how you deal with these
challenges.
face-to-face ​
adj /ˌfeɪs tə ˈfeɪs/ I’m so glad I finally had a face-to-face meeting with the
partners.
feelings ​
n pl /ˈfiːlɪŋz/ I’m not sure what your feelings are about this.

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follow less /ˈfɒləʊ les See what you can do about following less conventional
conventional kənˈvenʃənl pɑːðz/ paths.
paths ​phrase
forthright ​
adj /ˈfɔːθraɪt/ I might have been a bit too forthright, but I need to be sure.
get on to ​phr v /ɡet ɒn tə/ I’ll get on to that in a moment.
get out there ​phrase /ɡet aʊt ðeə(r)/ Can you get out there and sell?
go beyond the /ɡəʊ bɪˈjɒnd ðə I want to go beyond the scope of my current job.
scope of ​phrase skəʊp əv/
go round in circles ​ /ɡəʊ raʊnd ɪn It could have been awful if we’d just gone round in circles.
phrase ˈsɜːklz/
grow into your role ​ /ɡrəʊ ˈɪntə jɔː(r) Over time, you will grow into your role.
phrase rəʊl/
keen on ​phrase /kiːn ɒn/ I know you’re not keen on it.
keep in with ​phr v /kiːp ɪn wɪð/ Have you been keeping in with key people?
keep somebody /kiːp ˈsʌmbədi Don’t we keep them informed with our newsletter?
informed ​
phrase ɪnˈfɔːmd/
move something /muːv ˈsʌmθɪŋ əˈweɪ We need to move our focus away from university graduates.
away from ​phr v frəm/
move forward ​ /muːv ˈfɔːwəd/ If you want to move forward you need to take responsibility
phrase for your own career development.
notify ​
v /ˈnəʊtɪfaɪ/ Am I supposed to notify everybody in the department
each time?
on-the-job /ɒn ðə dʒɒb We pay for them to study whilst gaining on-the-job
experience ​n ɪkˈspɪəriəns/ experience.
out of somebody’s /aʊt əv ˈsʌmbədiz These are factors which are out of my control.
control ​
phrase kənˈtrəʊl/
play the part of ​ /pleɪ ðə pɑːt əv/ Can you play the part of multiple roles?
phrase
propel yourself /prəˈpel jəˈself You have to motivate yourself and propel yourself forward
forward ​phrase ˈfɔːwəd/ by staying on task.
prospect ​n /ˈprɒspekt/ Lots of students are really worried about the prospect of being
in debt.
purpose ​n /ˈpɜːpəs/ The purpose of today’s meeting is to draw an action plan
together.
put somebody in /pʊt ˈsʌmbədi ɪn ə It’ll put you in a better position for the next move.
a better position ​ ˈbetə(r) pəˈzɪʃn/
phrase
reach a stage ​phrase /riːtʃ ə steɪdʒ/ Sometimes we reach a stage in our careers when we feel
stuck.
stand out from ​ /stænd aʊt frəm/ What can help you stand out from the crowd?
phr v
stand up for ​phr v /stænd ʌp fə(r)/ You must stand up for what you decided.
stand up to ​phr v /stænd ʌp tə/ Will your accounts stand up to scrutiny?
stay ahead of the /steɪ əˈhed əv ðə For a Patchworker to stay ahead of the game, you need to be
game ​phr v ɡeɪm/ able to multitask.
take a step /teɪk ə step In order to move forward you need to take a step backwards.
backwards ​phrase ˈbækwədz/
talk somebody /tɔːk ˈsʌmbədi θruː Perhaps you’d like to talk us through the findings.
through ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
something ​
phr v
the need to ​phrase /ðə niːd tə/ I’m sure you’ll understand the need to make job cuts.
ups and downs ​ /ʌps ən daʊnz/ The last year has obviously had its ups and downs for you.
phrase

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Unit 3
access ​
v /ˈækses/ You need to access paper files.
accommodate ​v /əˈkɒmədeɪt/ Physical spaces should accommodate the modern needs
of work.
achieve ​
v /əˈtʃiːv/ Cost-saving is certainly one of the results you can achieve.
anticipate ​v /ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/ We anticipate that this trend will only increase.
assess ​v /əˈses/ And how do you assess your progress?
believe me ​phrase /bɪˈliːv mi/ Believe me, I can see where you’re coming from.
brings me to ​phrase /brɪŋz mi tə/ So, that brings me to the end of my talk.
conclude with ​v /kənˈkluːd wɪð/ I´ll conclude with some comments about how this will
affect you.
cover ​
v /ˈkʌvə(r)/ Well, there just wasn’t enough time to cover everything.
digress ​
v /daɪˈɡres/ Could I just digress for a second?
divide up ​phr v /dɪˈvaɪd ʌp/ So, I´ve divided my talk up into three sections.
dynamic ​
adj /daɪˈnæmɪk/ The company buildings create a dynamic working atmosphere.
effective ​
adj /ɪˈfektɪv/ Staff can work wherever and whenever is most effective.
exchange ​
v /ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/ Come to the office to meet people and exchange information.
facilitate ​
v /fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/ We work to facilitate cultural change within companies.
familiar with ​ /fəˈmɪliə(r) wɪð/ I don’t know if you’re familiar with this term?
phrase
fill somebody in on /fɪl ˈsʌmbədi ɪn ɒn I’ll just fill you in on the background first.
something ​phr v ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
generate ​
v /ˈdʒenəreɪt/ It’s important to generate enthusiasm for these changes.
go according to /ɡəʊ əˈkɔːdɪŋ tə Did the presentation go according to plan?
plan ​phrase plæn/
hectic ​
adj /ˈhektɪk/ It’s quite hectic over here too.
I know what you /aɪ nəʊ wɒt ju miːn/ I know what you mean about the traffic – it’s terrible!
mean ​
phrase
implement ​v /ˈɪmplɪment/ We are seeking to implement innovations in our work
practices.
key ​
adj /kiː/ This is my key point.
measure ​v /ˈmeʒə(r)/ There are other ways to measure success.
miss out ​phr v /mɪs aʊt/ Send an email to cover the parts you missed out.
move on ​phr v /muːv ɒn/ OK, moving on now to look at how this all affects the
workforce.
option ​
n /ˈɒpʃn/ Most staff aren’t given the option to work flexible hours.
procedure ​
n /prəˈsiːdʒə(r)/ Many of our procedures have been simplified recently.
put in place ​phrase /pʊt ɪn pleɪs/ We plan to put in place the necessary infrastructure.
quite ​
adv /kwaɪt/ I haven’t quite finished yet.
quite a few ​phrase /kwaɪt ə fjuː/ There were quite a few technical hiccups.
refer to ​v /rɪˈfɜː(r) tə/ ‘Career nomads’ refers to those employees who change the
rules of time management.
request ​
n /rɪˈkwest/ I still think you should send the request again, though.
sense of purpose ​n /sens əv ˈpɜːpəs/ Meetings have a sense of purpose, and result in decisions.
snowed under ​adj /snəʊd ˈʌndə(r)/ Actually I’m quite snowed under at the moment.
start by ​v /stɑːt baɪ/ I’d like to start by talking about some of the changes.
stick with ​phr v /stɪk wɪð/ They should have stuck with the original idea.
sum up ​phr v /sʌm ʌp/ To sum up, we need to focus efforts on our customer
experience.
the means to ​phrase /ðə miːnz tə/ We need to combine innovative working practices and the
means to make them work.

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transform ​
v /trænsˈfɔːm/ We’re interested in transforming our corporate culture for the
modern era.
turn to ​phr v /tɜːn tə/ I’d like to turn to the next agenda point if that’s OK.
word something ​v /wɜːd ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ Well, you might want to word the email so that it’s not too
aggressive.
worth doing /wɜːθ ˈduːɪŋ It might be worth sending an email to everyone who came.
something ​phrase ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

Unit 4
a matter of urgency ​ /ə ˈmætə(r) əv It’s a matter of urgency.
phrase ˈɜːdʒənsi/
as a matter of fact ​ /æz ə ˈmætə(r) əv As a matter of fact, house prices fell by 2.5% last month.
phrase fækt/
bold ​
adj /bəʊld/ I took the bold step of cutting all our prices by 30%.
bring back ​phr v /brɪŋ bæk/ Could we just bring the conversation back to the agenda?
cautious ​
adj /ˈkɔːʃəs/ You have to be cautious about which leads you follow up.
challenging ​adj /ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ/ It sounds good but the job’s pretty challenging.
come over ​phr v /kʌm ˈəʊvə(r)/ So, you’ve come over for this meeting?
consensus ​n /kənˈsensəs/ We seem to have some sort of consensus.
contingency /kənˈtɪndʒənsi Companies should start with some proper contingency
planning ​n plænɪŋ/ planning.
convinced ​
adj /kənˈvɪnst/ I’m not fully convinced as yet.
crisis ​n /ˈkraɪsɪs/ No company, however large or well-established, is immune to a
crisis.
draw something to /drɔː ˈsʌmθɪŋ tu ə I’d like to draw things to a close.
a close ​phrase kləʊz/
express care for ​ /ɪkˈspres keə(r) CEOs should always start by expressing care for those
phrase fə(r)/ affected.
foolhardy ​
adj /ˈfuːlhɑːdi/ Or is this course of action basically foolhardy?
get rid of ​phrase /ɡet rɪd əv/ I may be old, but you can’t get rid of me that easily!
imprudent ​
adj /ɪmˈpruːdnt/ I have a duty to shareholders not to behave in an
imprudent way.
learn from /lɜːn frəm ˈsʌmbədiz Firms all too often fail to learn from each other’s mistakes.
somebody’s mɪˈsteɪks/
mistakes ​
phrase
look well ​phrase /lʊk wel/ You’re looking well.
make matters /meɪk ˈmætəz wɜːs/ That will make matters worse.
worse ​
phrase
matter ​
v /ˈmætə(r)/ This matters a great deal so we need to get it right.
no laughing matter ​ /nəʊ lɑːfɪŋ ˈmætə(r)/ It’s no laughing matter.
phrase
no matter what ​ /nəʊ ˈmætə(r) wɒt/ We’ll do it, no matter what.
phrase
not get somebody /nɒt ɡet ˈsʌmbədi I’m not sure this is getting us anywhere.
anywhere ​ phrase ˈeniweə(r)/
over-cautious ​adj /ˌəʊvəˈkɔːʃəs/ I’m not over-cautious by nature.
overlooking ​adj /ˌəʊvəˈlʊkɪŋ/ I’m in a luxury apartment overlooking Central Park.
profile ​
n /ˈprəʊfaɪl/ I’ve seen your profile on the website.
prudent ​
adj /ˈpruːdnt/ You have to ask yourself am I being prudent?
pull off ​phr v /pʊl ɒf/ Are you the Janos who pulled off that big Integra deal?
rash ​
adj /ræʃ/ To an outsider, my decisions may sometimes look rash.
reckless ​
adj /ˈrekləs/ I have been accused of being reckless.

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reservation ​n /ˌrezəˈveɪʃn/ I still have serious reservations.
resilient ​
adj /rɪˈzɪliənt/ Popular brands can be surprisingly resilient to crises.
restore somebody’s /rɪˈstɔː(r) ˈsʌmbədiz Ms Gudgeon believes VW can restore its reputation.
reputation ​
phrase ˌrepjuˈteɪʃn/
risk-averse ​
adj /rɪsk əˈvɜːs/ A totally risk-averse company is never going to progress.
robust /rəʊˈbʌst Many companies don’t have robust communications plans
communications kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃnz in place.
plans ​
n pl plænz/
run simulation /rʌn ˌsɪmjuˈleɪʃn Sometimes firms haven’t actually run simulation exercises.
exercises ​
phrase ˈeksəsaɪzɪz/
second thoughts ​ /ˈsekənd θɔːts/ I’m having some second thoughts about the whole thing.
n pl
sensible ​
adj /ˈsensəbl/ I’m wondering how sensible that was.
show public /ʃəʊ ˈpʌblɪk rɪˈmɔːs/ Mr Clayton has some sympathy with companies expected to
remorse ​
phrase show public remorse.
take ownership ​ /teɪk ˈəʊnəʃɪp/ It is vital that a chief executive takes ownership of a crisis.
phrase
the new guy ​phrase /ðə njuː ɡaɪ/ As far as they’re concerned I’m still the new guy.
well-established ​ /ˌwel ɪˈstæblɪʃt/ It’s a well-established team with their own way of doing
adj things.
with respect ​phrase /wɪð rɪˈspekt/ With respect, I think you’ve got things wrong this time.

Unit 5
analyse something /ˈænəlaɪz ˈsʌmθɪŋ Monitor Evaluators have a great ability to analyse things
logically ​
phrase ˈlɒdʒɪkli/ logically.
assess something /əˈses ˈsʌmθɪŋ Monitor Evaluators assess things periodically and look at
periodically ​ ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪkli/ options objectively.
phrase
avoid ​
v /əˈvɔɪd/ I prefer to avoid any last-minute changes.
be clear about ​ /bi klɪə(r) əˈbaʊt/ We must be clear about how this will affect morale.
phrase
be entitled to ​ /bi ɪnˈtaɪtld tə/ Look, you’re entitled to your opinion.
phrase
be happy to ​phrase /bi ˈhæpi tə/ I’d be more than happy to oversee everything personally.
be prepared to ​ /bi prɪˈpeəd tə/ I’m prepared to agree to that if the price is reduced.
phrase
be relied on ​phrase /bi rɪˈlaɪd ɒn/ Implementers can be relied on to perform consistently.
be right in /bi raɪt ɪn ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ Would I be right in thinking we agreed not to use that logo?
thinking ​phrase
be viewed /bi vjuːd ˈpɒzətɪvli/ Specialists are usually viewed positively for their
positively ​
phrase knowledge.
communicate /kəˈmjuːnɪkeɪt They may have trouble communicating their ideas
something ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɪˈfektɪvli/ effectively.
effectively ​
phrase
compromise ​n /ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/ Try to reach a compromise during the negotiation.
conflict ​
n /ˈkɒnflɪkt/ Different people deal with conflict in different ways.
cope with ​v /kəʊp wɪð/ Implementers cope with things practically.
deal with ​v /diːl wɪð/ How can we best deal with this issue?
deviate from ​v /ˈdiːvieɪt frəm/ Implementers tend not to deviate from a set path.
diplomatic ​
adj /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/ You must be diplomatic when you’re dealing with angry
customers.
emphasis ​
n /ˈemfəsɪs/ There was an emphasis on quantity rather than quality at my
last job.

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emphasize ​v /ˈemfəsaɪz/ We must emphasize the importance of this new initiative to
the board.
focus on ​v /ˈfəʊkəs ɒn/ Specialists tend to focus on technicalities.
get at ​phr v /ɡet æt/ I don’t see what you’re getting at.
go ahead with ​ /ɡəʊ əˈhed wɪð/ I just won’t be able to go ahead with the launch in Vienna.
phrase
I see what you /aɪ siː wɒt ju miːn/ I see what you mean, but surely we need to get this
mean ​phrase right now?
leave somebody to ​ /liːv ˈsʌmbədi tə/ Riccardo, can I leave you to liaise with the printer?
phrase
look at something /lʊk ət ˈsʌmθɪŋ Let’s look at the situation objectively.
objectively ​
phrase əbˈdʒektɪvli/
make sure ​phrase /meɪk ʃɔː(r)/ Can I just make sure I’ve understood this correctly?
on the right track ​ /ɒn ðə raɪt træk/ It’s good to know I’m on the right track.
phrase
pay attention to ​ /peɪ əˈtenʃn tə/ Co-ordinators don’t pay enough attention to their own
phrase duties.
perform /pəˈfɔːm Implementers perform consistently and cope with things
consistently ​ kənˈsɪstəntli/ practically.
phrase
propose ​v /prəˈpəʊz/ How do you propose we deal with this issue?
pursue something /pəˈsjuː ˈsʌmθɪŋ Resource Investigators pursue opportunities vigorously
vigorously ​
phrase ˈvɪɡərəsli/ outside the team.
push somebody /pʊʃ ˈsʌmbədi hɑːd/ Shapers often get results because they push others hard.
hard ​phrase
spur somebody /spɜː(r) ˈsʌmbədi Shapers spur their team into action.
into action ​phrase ˈɪntə ˈækʃn/
stay focused ​phrase /steɪ ˈfəʊkəst/ Can we try and stay focused on the facts?
steer clear of ​phrase /stɪə(r) klɪə(r) əv/ Teamworkers like to steer clear of confrontation.
thrive on ​v /θraɪv ɒn/ Shapers thrive on pressure and challenge.
tread carefully ​ /tred ˈkeəfəli/ You have to tread carefully with this person.
phrase
try to avoid ​phrase /traɪ tu əˈvɔɪd/ Look, can we try to avoid any serious setbacks here?
work on ​phr v /wɜːk ɒn/ I’ll just keep working on it.
worry excessively ​ /ˈwʌri ɪkˈsesɪvli/ Completer Finishers tend to worry excessively about minor
phrase details.

Unit 6
actually ​
adv /ˈæktʃuəli/ It was actually one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever
done.
be clear to /bi klɪə(r) tə Also, it’s not clear to me what you mean by ‘caring’.
somebody ​phrase ˈsʌmbədi/
be concerned about ​ /bi kənˈsɜːnd əˈbaʊt/ I’m concerned about how that would work in practice.
phrase
be convinced by ​ /bi kənˈvɪnst baɪ/ To tell you the truth, I’m not totally convinced by it.
phrase
boost earnings ​ /buːst ˈɜːnɪŋz/ Jim McNerney set out to boost earnings from the start.
phrase
bounce around ​ /baʊns əˈraʊnd/ 3M’s culture had always involved bouncing around new
phr v ideas.
cause a stir ​phrase /kɔːz ə stɜː(r)/ McNerney caused quite a stir at 3M when he took over.
certainly ​
adv /ˈsɜːtnli/ I would certainly need to know that it’s profitable.
come to fruition ​ /kʌm tə fruˈɪʃn/ How can we make change come to fruition?
phrase

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control costs ​phrase /kənˈtrəʊl kɒsts/ Six Sigma aims to control costs and increase efficiency.
cut into the bottom /kʌt ˈɪntə ðə ˈbɒtəm How do you create space for innovative ideas without cutting
line ​phrase laɪn/ into the bottom line?
easily the best ​ /ˈiːzəli ðə best/ It’s easily the best idea I’ve heard so far.
phrase
enthusiasm ​
n /ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/ Implement your decisions with enthusiasm.
evaluate ​v /ɪˈvæljueɪt/ Clarify and then evaluate the idea.
fall by the wayside ​ /fɔːl baɪ ðə weɪ saɪd/ Some of the strict, formal obligations fell by the wayside.
phrase
figure out ​phr v /ˈfɪɡə(r) aʊt/ George Buckley was hired to figure out and handle the cultural
tensions.
get off the ground ​ /ɡet ɒf ðə ɡraʊnd/ Don’t give up when projects fail to get off the ground.
phrase
get something back /ɡet ˈsʌmθɪŋ bæk ɒn Six Sigma temporarily got 3M’s performance back on
on track ​phrase træk/ track.
hit on ​phr v /hɪt ɒn/ Employees would think outside the box in order to hit on the
next new idea.
can’t help /kɑːnt help I can’t help wondering whether it would be cost-effective.
wondering ​
phrase ˈwʌndərɪŋ/
just ​
adv /dʒʌst/ I’m just not convinced.
look beyond ​v /lʊk bɪˈjɒnd/ 3M encourages individual initiative, and looks beyond
mistakes.
obviously ​
adv /ˈɒbviəsli/ You’ve obviously given this some thought.
only ​
adv /ˈəʊnli/ Look, I only say so because there’s big money in energy-saving.
outperform ​v /ˌaʊtpəˈfɔːm/ Buckley was convinced he could outperform the competition.
pursue ​
v /pəˈsjuː/ We encourage employees to pursue ideas to get the best results.
put forward ​phr v /pʊt ˈfɔːwəd/ You should put forward your idea at the next team meeting.
put somebody on /pʊt ˈsʌmbədi ɒn ðə You’ve put me on the spot here.
the spot ​phrase spɒt/
really ​
adv /ˈrɪəli/ I don’t really think we could get away with that, do you?
recognize ​
v /ˈrekəɡnaɪz/ He helped employees recognize how new practices were
important to the larger vision and purpose.
run into ​phr v /rʌn ˈɪntə/ When 3M ran into difficulty, their success waned.
think outside the /θɪŋk ˌaʊtˈsaɪd ðə To come up with new ideas, you need to think outside
box ​phrase bɒks/ the box.
thinking about it ​ /ˈθɪŋkɪŋ əˈbaʊt ɪt/ But thinking about it, we could even set up a programme
phrase where staff can choose.
tolerate ​v /ˈtɒləreɪt/ Six Sigma is a programme that doesn’t tolerate mistakes easily.
totally ​
adv /ˈtəʊtəli/ I’m not totally convinced.
try out ​phr v /ˈtraɪ aʊt/ 3M had promoted trying things out and making mistakes as a
method.
undergo change ​ /ˌʌndəˈɡəʊ tʃeɪndʒ/ They underwent significant changes when McNerney
phrase took over.
vague ​
adj /veɪɡ/ You can use vague language to avoid saying no directly.

Unit 7
across the board ​ /əˈkrɒs ðə bɔːd/ We encourage professional development across the board.
phrase
benefit ​
n /ˈbenɪfɪt/ We’re going to see huge benefits from this change.
bottom-up ​
adj /ˈbɒtəm ʌp/ A bottom-up approach informs our job-specific training.
centrally-driven ​ /ˈsentrəli ˈdrɪvn/ The bribery training is centrally-driven as it affects all staff.
adj
clarify ​v /ˈklærəfaɪ/ Could you clarify exactly what the problems were?

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collective /kəˈlektɪv Collective aspiration is set free in a learning organization.
aspiration ​n ˌæspəˈreɪʃn/
decentralized ​adj /ˌdiːˈsentrəlaɪzd/ It’s a decentralized approach as each department has a
budget.
dissatisfaction ​
n /ˌdɪsˌsætɪsˈfækʃn/ The employees expressed their dissatisfaction with the new
workflows at the meeting.
do somebody’s /du ˈsʌmbədiz hed And the pace is so slow! It’s doing my head in!
head in ​phrase ɪn/
employee /ɪmˈplɔɪiː It’s best to have total employee participation and
participation ​
n pɑːˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃn/ engagement.
expect ​
v /ɪkˈspekt/ I was expecting something a bit more professional.
finance ​
n /faɪˈnæns/ Our finance training is very much about revenue and costs.
find something /faɪnd ˈsʌmθɪŋ I’m finding it a bit frustrating that I have to be here at all.
frustrating ​phrase frʌˈstreɪtɪŋ/
generic ​
adj /dʒəˈnerɪk/ Generic training relates to skills that everyone needs, like IT.
get something out /ɡet ˈsʌmθɪŋ aʊt əv I have to admit, I’m not getting much out of it.
of something ​ ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
phrase
in the long-run ​ /ɪn ðə lɒŋ rʌn/ In the long-run, what the average employee really needs is to
phrase be able to do what they do better.
in the real world ​ /ɪn ðə ˈriːəl wɜːld/ Are there any true learning organizations in the real world?
phrase
job-specific ​adj /dʒɒb spəˈsɪfɪk/ The majority of our training is job-specific.
lack of ​phrase /læk əv/ There’s a lack of team spirit where I work.
live up to /lɪv ʌp tu Well, I agree it hasn’t lived up to expectations so far.
expectations ​ ˌekspekˈteɪʃnz/
phrase
not the best use of /nɒt ðə best juːs əv This task is not the best use of my time.
somebody’s time ​ ˈsʌmbədiz taɪm/
phrase
not up to scratch ​ /nɒt ʌp tə skrætʃ/ Well, the cover, for example – it’s just not up to scratch.
phrase
paradigm shift ​n /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ The learning organization vision can cause a real paradigm
shift within a company.
performance /pəˈfɔːməns Performance management plays a key role in ensuring
management ​n ˈmænɪdʒmənt/ everyone takes a holistic view of the business.
personal /ˈpɜːsənl We’ve introduced formalized personal development plans
development dɪˈveləpmənt for staff.
plan ​
n plæn/
project /ˈprɒdʒekt There’s quite a big push on project management training.
management ​n ˈmænɪdʒmənt/
reach somebody’s /riːtʃ ˈsʌmbədiz In fact, I think I’ve reached my limit.
limit ​
phrase ˈlɪmɪt/
resume ​
v /rɪˈzjuːm/ Let’s resume the meeting after lunch.
run something by /rʌn ˈsʌmθɪŋ baɪ Could you run it by me again?
somebody ​phrase ˈsʌmbədi/
see the point of /siː ðə pɔɪnt əv I can’t really see the point of staying.
something ​ phrase ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
self-directed ​adj /self dɪˈrektɪd/ We’re trying to make training more self-directed.
shared vision ​n /ʃeəd ˈvɪʒn/ The whole team needs to focus, learn, and build a shared
vision.
skills deficit ​n /skɪlz ˈdefɪsɪt/ We direct training towards addressing any skills deficit.
spell out ​phr v /spel aʊt/ Could I ask you to spell out some details?
structural change ​n /ˈstrʌktʃərəl It was a radical structural change to our organization’s
tʃeɪndʒ/ culture.

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systems thinking ​n /ˈsɪstəmz ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ ‘Systems thinking’ is an ability to see and think about the
organization as a whole.
team spirit ​n /tiːm ˈspɪrɪt/ Everyone’s just concentrating on their own tasks, so there’s no
team spirit.
test somebody’s /test ˈsʌmbədiz It’s really testing my patience, too.
patience ​
phrase ˈpeɪʃns/
the bigger picture ​ /ðə ˈbɪɡə(r) We can’t all spend our time worrying about the bigger
n ˈpɪktʃə(r)/ picture.
top-down ​adj /tɒp daʊn/ It’s a top-down approach as senior management decide.

Unit 8
achievement ​n /əˈtʃiːvmənt/ Our reward philosophy recognises both individual
achievement and business performance.
appreciate ​v /əˈpriːʃieɪt/ You’ll appreciate that I still need to run this by Jean-Paul.
be in a position to ​ /bi ɪn ə pəˈzɪʃn tə/ I’m sorry, I’m really not in a position to talk about that.
phrase
be up to speed on ​ /bi ʌp tə spiːd ɒn/ I’m afraid I’m not up to speed on the latest developments.
phrase
build (up) rapport /bɪld ʌp ræˈpɔː(r) You’ve got to be able to build up rapport with the client.
(with) ​
phrase wɪð/
comment ​
v /ˈkɒment/ I can’t really comment.
confidential ​
adj /ˌkɒnfɪˈdenʃl/ That’s confidential, I’m afraid.
connect somebody /kəˈnekt ˈsʌmbədi tə These new ways of thinking connect us to a wider range of
to something ​ ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ customers.
phrase
constructive ​
adj /kənˈstrʌktɪv/ Make sure that your feedback is constructive rather than
negative.
consultation ​n /ˌkɒnslˈteɪʃn/ We’ve just completed the initial consultation stage.
defensive ​
adj /dɪˈfensɪv/ He gets very defensive if you criticize any of his decisions.
disclose ​
v /dɪsˈkləʊz/ I’m afraid I can’t disclose that information.
feel part of ​phrase /fiːl pɑːt əv/ We want you to feel part of a friendly, supportive atmosphere.
gain recognition /ɡeɪn ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃn Staff are gaining recognition for their contribution.
for ​
phrase fə(r)/
go through ​phr v /ɡəʊ θruː/ Could you just go through it again for me?
hard to say ​phrase /hɑːd tə seɪ/ It’s hard to say at the moment.
have a say in ​phrase /hæv ə seɪ ɪn/ All staff have a say in what happens.
impromptu ​
adj /ɪmˈprɒmptjuː/ I was asked to give an impromptu presentation on our new
system at the meeting.
inspire the creation /ɪnˈspaɪə(r) ðə Our culture inspires the creation of real value for all
of ​
phrase kriˈeɪʃn əv/ stakeholders.
let me just ​phrase /let mi dʒʌst/ Let me just touch on how it works in practice.
make a contribution ​ /meɪk ə You’ll make a significant contribution to maintaining our
phrase ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃn/ position.
make a difference ​ /meɪk ə ˈdɪfrəns/ Employees make a difference to companies.
phrase
not for me to say ​ /nɒt fə(r) mi tə seɪ/ It’s not for me to say.
phrase
nothing to do with ​ /ˈnʌθɪŋ tə du wɪð/ It’s nothing to do with me.
phrase
open up broader /ˈəʊpən ʌp ˈbrɔːdə(r) Being part of the wider group opens up even broader
opportunities ​ ˌɒpəˈtjuːnətiz/ opportunities in other countries.
phrase
precise ​adj /prɪˈsaɪs/ I’d like to be able to give you a more precise date, but
unfortunately I can’t at the moment.

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provide /prəˈvaɪd We’re committed to providing opportunities for
opportunities for ​ ˌɒpəˈtjuːnətiz development.
phrase fə(r)/
provide somebody /prəˈvaɪd ˈsʌmbədi Diversity provides us with a competitive advantage.
with ​
phrase wɪð/
see a future for ​ /siː ə ˈfjuːtʃə(r) Innocent attracts employees who see a future for themselves
phrase fə(r)/ in the company.
sketch out ​phr v /sketʃ aʊt/ I’d just like to sketch out the core elements of the plans.
straightforward ​adj /ˌstreɪtˈfɔːwəd/ Well, it’s not that straightforward.
strive for ​v /straɪv fə(r)/ We encourage staff to strive for a healthy work–life balance.
support the /səˈpɔːt ðə We support the development of our people in any way
development of ​ dɪˈveləpmənt əv/ we can.
phrase
take pride in ​phrase /teɪk praɪd ɪn/ We take pride in our track record of success.
the best person to /ðə best ˈpɜːsn tu I’m really not the best person to ask.
ask ​phrase ɑːsk/
touch on ​v /tʌtʃ ɒn/ The course touched on some of the finer details of the system.
turn dreams into /tɜːn driːmz ˈɪntə Our people have a single vision: to turn dreams into reality.
reality ​
phrase riˈæləti/
unite somebody in /juˈnaɪt ˈsʌmbədi ɪn It is a culture that unites us in a common cause.
a common cause ​ ə ˈkɒmən kɔːz/
phrase

Unit 9
along the lines of ​ /əˈlɒŋ ðə laɪnz əv/ I was thinking more along the lines of a higher-end product.
phrase
assets ​
n pl /ˈæsets/ A company’s reputation is one of its key assets.
assuming /əˈsjuːmɪŋ ˈsʌmbədi/ Assuming we commit to that, can you fulfil the order?
somebody ​phrase
be in a really /bi ɪn ə ˈrɪəli strɒŋ I think we’re in a really strong position to find new staff.
strong position ​ pəˈzɪʃn/
phrase
corporate /ˈkɔːpərət Michelin have a good record in terms of corporate
accountability ​
n əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ accountability.
corporate social /ˈkɔːpərət ˈsəʊʃl Michelin has many projects connected to its Corporate Social
responsibility rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ Responsibility programme globally.
(CSR) ​n
cost-benefit /kɒst ˈbenɪfɪt A cost-benefit analysis will tell us if the costs can be
analysis ​n əˈnæləsɪs/ covered.
critical success /ˈkrɪtɪkl səkˈses Obtaining loans was a critical success factor for the project.
factor (CSF) ​n ˈfæktə(r)/
drain on resources ​ /dreɪn ɒn rɪˈzɔːsɪz/ CSR policies can become a huge drain on resources.
phrase
endangered species ​ /ɪnˈdeɪndʒəd The depleted Atlantic rainforest in the east contains most of
n pl ˈspiːʃiːz/ Brazil’s endangered species.
expansion ​n /ɪkˈspænʃn/ Investing in a new IT system could enable expansion.
feasibility ​
n /ˌfiːzəˈbɪləti/ Once we’ve checked the project’s feasibility, we’ll agree goals
and objectives.
general consensus ​ /ˈdʒenrəl So the general consensus is that we can do this.
n kənˈsensəs/
get something ​ /ɡet ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ I’m afraid I don’t get it.
phrase
knowledge base ​n /ˈnɒlɪdʒ beɪs/ Michelin used the local knowledge base in Bahia, Brazil.
long-term /ˌlɒŋ ˈtɜːm Let’s look at the situation from a long-term perspective.
perspective ​n pəˈspektɪv/

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long-term viability ​ /ˌlɒŋ ˈtɜːm We need to ensure the long-term viability of the project.
n ˌvaɪəˈbɪləti/
make something /meɪk ˈsʌmθɪŋ Sorry if I didn’t make that clear.
clear ​
phrase klɪə(r)/
market value ​n /ˈmɑːkɪt ˈvæljuː/ A sound CSR policy can increase the market value of a
company.
natural resources ​ /ˈnætʃrəl rɪˈsɔːsɪz/ They say that Michelin use up natural resources too
n pl intensively.
not exactly what ​ /nɒt ɪɡˈzæktli wɒt/ No, that’s not exactly what I’m saying.
phrase
not have much /nɒt hæv mʌtʃ tʃɔɪs/ Basically we don’t have much choice for a long-term plan
choice ​
phrase like this.
options ​
n pl /ˈɒpʃnz/ Well, we have a number of options.
provided /prəˈvaɪdɪd Provided you check out the feasibility, it might work well.
somebody ​phrase ˈsʌmbədi/
put something /pʊt ˈsʌmθɪŋ streɪt/ Can I put this straight?
straight ​phrase
quantifiable data ​n /ˈkwɒntɪfaɪəbl We require monthly reports and reviews with
ˈdeɪtə/ quantifiable data.
realistically ​adv /ˌrɪəˈlɪstɪkli/ Realistically, would we be able to finance this strategy?
return on /rɪˈtɜːn ɒn What I want is a good return on investment.
investment (ROI) ​ ɪnˈvestmənt/
phrase
short-term profit ​n /ˌʃɔːt ˈtɜːm ˈprɒfɪt/ Should we dismiss CSR policies in favour of short-term
profit?
strategy ​
n /ˈstrætədʒi/ We need to develop a clear strategy to move things forward.
substantial ​adj /səbˈstænʃl/ Providing training for everyone would be a substantial
investment.
sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl It’s an example of sustainable development in a poor region.
development ​n dɪˈveləpmənt/
the bottom line ​n /ðə ˈbɒtəm laɪn/ For me it’s all about the bottom line.
track record ​n /træk ˈrekɔːd/ They have a poor track record when it comes to the
environment.
unfeasible ​
adj /ʌnˈfiːzəbl/ Basically we don’t have much choice for a long-term plan like
this – it’s totally unfeasible.
way behind ​phrase /weɪ bɪˈhaɪnd/ If we hadn’t invested in the system, we’d be way behind the
competition.

Unit 10
a culture of trust ​ /ə ˈkʌltʃə(r) əv I have to build a culture of trust between the team members.
phrase trʌst/
a sense of cohesion ​ /ə sens əv kəʊˈhiːʒn/ It’s essential to develop a sense of cohesion within the team.
phrase
adaptable ​
adj /əˈdæptəbl/ You’ll need to be flexible and adaptable to various situations.
apparently ​
adv /əˈpærəntli/ Apparently the intention is to make everyone’s lives easier.
as I understand it ​ /æz aɪ ˌʌndəˈstænd As I understand it, the switch over will be coordinated
phrase ɪt/ centrally.
attitude ​n /ˈætɪtjuːd/ My attitude is, if you expect it to be a bad experience, chances
are it will be.
collaboration ​n /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃn/ Collaboration between teams has resulted in better
productivity.
collaborative ​adj /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ Have sincere, collaborative conversations with your people.
commitment ​
n /kəˈmɪtmənt/ It’s important to have a commitment to continuous
improvement.
consistent ​
adj /kənˈsɪstənt/ I’ll have to be consistent in my expectations and feedback.

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conviction ​n /kənˈvɪkʃn/ How can we show our conviction and remember our sense of
purpose?
decisive ​adj /dɪˈsaɪsɪv/ Leaders should find the right balance between being decisive
and listening to their staff.
empathy ​
n /ˈempəθi/ You can show empathy by asking people how they’re doing.
establish /ɪˈstæblɪʃ ˈsʌmbədiz I need to establish my authority with them as team leader.
somebody’s ɔːˈθɒrəti/
authority ​
phrase
establish /ɪˈstæblɪʃ ˈsʌmbədiz The first thing was, I had to establish my credibility.
somebody’s ˌkredəˈbɪləti/
credibility ​phrase
exert influence ​ /ɪɡˈzɜːt ˈɪnfluəns/ The only way to exert influence is to work with them on an
phrase informal basis.
give somebody an /ɡɪv ˈsʌmbədi ən Can you give us an assurance that we’ll get appropriate
assurance ​phrase əˈʃɔːrəns/ support?
give something a /ɡɪv ˈsʌmθɪŋ ə Let’s give this a chance to work.
chance ​
phrase tʃɑːns/
guarantee ​n /ˌɡærənˈtiː/ Are there any guarantees that we won’t be asked to
contribute?
have concerns ​ /hæv kənˈsɜːnz/ I also have some concerns about the impact on customers.
phrase
have reservations ​ /hæv ˌrezəˈveɪʃnz/ I have some reservations about the cost implications.
phrase
honestly ​
adv /ˈɒnɪstli/ It’s fine honestly, the job’s good.
humble ​
adj /ˈhʌmbl/ She’s very humble and modest, not arrogant at all.
have to say ​phrase /hæv tə seɪ/ I have to say I find that quite difficult to accept.
instil confidence in ​ /ɪnˈstɪl ˈkɒnfɪdəns Can you instil confidence in them that you’re up to the job?
phrase ɪn/
integrity ​
n /ɪnˈteɡrəti/ They’re trustworthy, and have a reputation for integrity.
intention ​
n /ɪnˈtenʃn/ Apparently the intention is to make everyone’s lives easier.
look at it like this ​ /lʊk æt ɪt laɪk ðɪs/ Well, I look at it like this: you get out of these things what
phrase you put into them.
micromanage ​v /ˈmaɪkrəʊmænɪdʒ/ Try to avoid the temptation to micromanage your team.
mutual respect ​n /ˈmjuːtʃuəl rɪˈspekt/ It’s about generating mutual respect.
my understanding /maɪ ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ My understanding is that you will receive all the help
is ​
phrase ɪz/ you need.
passionate ​
adj /ˈpæʃənət/ We have a passionate resolve to help our people be the best.
adj /ˈpiːpl ˈfəʊkəst/
people-focused ​ A people-focused principle is for leaders to stand with their
people, not above them.
personally /ˈpɜːsənəli ˈspiːkɪŋ/ And personally speaking, I don’t see how we can agree to it.
speaking ​phrase
recognize ​
v /ˈrekəɡnaɪz/ I make sure I recognize individual achievement within the
group.
reinforce ​phrase /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs/ It’s designed to reinforce a sense of team spirit and
collaboration.
see something as a /siː ˈsʌmθɪŋ əz ə I really don’t see this as a problem.
problem ​phrase ˈprɒbləm/
self-aware ​
adj /self əˈweə(r)/ He’s very self-aware and knows his capabilities and
limitations.
temptation ​
n /tempˈteɪʃn/ The temptation to cut costs as a solution should be avoided.
to be honest with /tə bi ˈɒnɪst wɪð ju/ But to be honest with you, there are still some things to
you ​phrase sort out.
to be perfectly /tə bi ˈpɜːfɪktli To be perfectly honest, I’m not good at working in a
honest ​
phrase ˈɒnɪst/ big team.

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to tell you the truth ​ /tə tel ju ðə truːθ/ But to tell you the truth, I really enjoyed it.
phrase
valid ​
adj /ˈvælɪd/ That’s a valid point.
where you’re /weə(r) jɔː(r) ˈkʌmɪŋ Well, I understand where you’re coming from, of course.
coming from ​ frɒm/
phrase
wonder if ​phrase /ˈwʌndə(r) ɪf/ I wonder if you have any information about this?

Unit 11
appreciably ​adv /əˈpriːʃəbli/ Attitudes to the company are becoming appreciably more
negative.
be all agreed ​phrase /bi ɔːl əˈɡriːd/ Are we all agreed?
beyond somebody’s /bɪˈjɒnd ˈsʌmbədiz I’m afraid this is beyond our control now.
control ​
phrase kənˈtrəʊl/
can’t possibly ​ /kɑːnt ˈpɒsəbli/ We can’t possibly do that.
phrase
close-knit ​adj /ˌkləʊs ˈnɪt/ We have a very close-knit team.
comparatively ​
adv /kəmˈpærətɪvli/ The number of people leaving has been comparatively low.
competence ​
n /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/ It’s about an individual’s competence rather than length of
service.
consider doing /kənˈsɪdə(r) ˈduːɪŋ Would you consider accepting delivery by Friday?
something ​ phrase ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
considerably ​
adv /kənˈsɪdərəbli/ Don’t forget that our cultures are considerably different.
dignity ​
n /ˈdɪɡnəti/ Our policies ensure all employees can maintain their dignity
at work.
diversity ​
n /daɪˈvɜːsəti/ We have policies which promote diversity.
equality ​
n /iˈkwɒləti/ We have strict regulations to ensure equality.
feasible ​
adj /ˈfiːzəbl/ That sounds feasible.
find a way round /faɪnd ə weɪ/ Let’s try to find a way round this.
something ​phrase
go along with ​ /ɡəʊ əˈlɒŋ wɪð/ I’ll go along with that option.
phrase
hostile ​
adj /ˈhɒstaɪl/ The reaction to the restructuring announcement was hostile.
in many respects ​ /ɪn ˈmeni rɪˈspekts/ It’s essential to remember that in many respects our cultures
phrase are not at all similar.
increasingly /ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ˈdɪfɪkəlt/ It will become increasingly difficult to reverse the trend.
difficult ​
phrase
irretrievably /ˌɪrɪˈtriːvəbli The effect on American business could be irretrievably
damaging ​ phrase ˈdæmɪdʒɪŋ/ damaging.
just not possible ​ /dʒʌst nɒt ˈpɒsəbl/ I’m afraid it is just not possible.
phrase
just won’t work ​ /dʒʌst wəʊnt wɜːk/ No, that just won’t work.
phrase
make do with ​ /meɪk du wɪð/ Could you make do with some samples of the product?
phrase
merit ​
n /ˈmerɪt/ All staff promotions are based on merit.
mutual cooperation ​ /ˈmjuːtʃuəl Mutual cooperation between the two countries has
n kəʊˌɒpəˈreɪʃn/ increased.
no longer possible ​ /nəʊ ˈlɒŋɡə(r) Changing the situation is no longer possible.
phrase ˈpɒsəbl/
noticeably ​
adv /ˈnəʊtɪsəbli/ Their attitude towards us is noticeably less friendly.
out of the question ​ /aʊt əv ðə No, no, that’s out of the question.
phrase ˈkwestʃən/

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potentially /pəˈtenʃəli This view is having a potentially disastrous effect on the
disastrous ​phrase dɪˈzɑːstrəs/ image of US brands.
profoundly /prəˈfaʊndli ˈwʌriɪŋ/ A number of factors have all had a profoundly worrying
worrying ​phrase effect.
promote ​
v /prəˈməʊt/ Our employee policies promote diversity and equality.
refuse to budge ​ /rɪˈfjuːz tə bʌdʒ/ I refuse to budge on this.
phrase
relatively stable ​ /ˈrelətɪvli ˈsteɪbl/ Non-American brands have remained relatively stable.
phrase
respect ​n /rɪˈspekt/ She has the respect of all her team.
say no to ​phrase /seɪ nəʊ tə/ I have to say no to the new arrangement.
scandal ​
n /ˈskændl/ Last year’s share-dealing scandal has damaged their
reputation.
share value ​n /ʃeə(r) ˈvæljuː/ The reduction in our share value is concerning.
significantly /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli Europeans felt that their values were significantly different
different ​
phrase ˈdɪfrənt/ to American ones.
stay firm ​phrase /steɪ fɜːm/ I have to stay firm on this.
surprisingly ​
adv /səˈpraɪzɪŋli/ The market conditions changed surprisingly quickly.
tolerance ​
n /ˈtɒlərəns/ Our work environment is built on tolerance and
understanding.
underpin ​
v /ˌʌndəˈpɪn/ We have five core values that underpin the way we conduct
our business activities.
unexpectedly rapid ​ /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪdli There’s been an unexpectedly rapid decline in interest.
phrase ˈræpɪd/
what would you /wɒt wəd ju seɪ tə/ What would you say to doing a smaller run for us?
say to ​phrase
willing ​
adj /ˈwɪlɪŋ/ Yes, I’d be willing to prioritize that.

Unit 12
achievable ​adj /əˈtʃiːvəbl/ The plan is achievable, there’s no question about it.
appeal to ​v /əˈpiːl tə/ Soft drink advertising tries to appeal to the desire to be ‘cool’.
as I said before ​ /æz aɪ sed bɪˈfɔː(r)/ So, as I said before, our goals remain unchanged.
phrase
aspirational ​adj /ˌæspəˈreɪʃənl/ A larger percentage of US consumers are quite aspirational.
association ​
n /əˌsəʊʃiˈeɪʃn/ The advertising tends to reinforce an association between
young people and the product.
be tailored towards ​ /bi ˈteɪləd təˈwɔːdz/ The advertising was then tailored towards a created need.
phrase
be taken in by ​ /bi ˈteɪkən ɪn baɪ/ Are we taken in by these messages?
phrase
become apparent ​ /bɪˈkʌm əˈpærənt/ It’s become apparent that changes are required.
phrase
believe in ​v /bɪˈliːv ɪn/ We’re committed and we believe in what we do.
buy into ​phr v /baɪ ˈɪntə/ Young people are keen to buy into this image.
call on ​v /kɔːl ɒn/ I’m calling on you to support this.
can’t afford to ​ /kɑː(r)nt əˈfɔːd tə/ We can’t afford to miss this opportunity.
phrase
come across ​phr v /kʌm əˈkrɒs/ What comes across from talking to you is a clear vision.
consumer profile ​n /kənˈsjuːmə(r) Advertising differs around the world because of the diverse
ˈprəʊfaɪl/ consumer profile.
consumption ​n /kənˈsʌmpʃn/ Clever marketing promoted the consumption of mobile
phones.
essential ​
adj /ɪˈsenʃl/ It’s also essential that we make these changes stick.

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exploitative ​adj /ɪkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/ Advertisers use exploitative strategies to hook consumers.
generate demand /ˈdʒenəreɪt dɪˈmɑːnd It’s the advertisers’ job to generate demand for the product.
for ​
phrase fə(r)/
give consideration /ɡɪv kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃn Please give serious consideration to this proposal.
to ​
phrase tə/
hold out for ​phr v /həʊld aʊt fə(r)/ I’m holding out for a better offer.
important to /ɪmˈpɔːtnt tə Having said that, it’s important to remember the customer.
remember ​phrase rɪˈmembə(r)/
live up to ​phr v /lɪv ʌp tə/ The target group aspires to live up to the celebrity’s image.
market penetration ​ /ˈmɑːkɪt Market penetration of luxury items is relatively slow.
n ˌpenɪˈtreɪʃn/
materialistic ​adj /məˌtɪəriəˈlɪstɪk/ Danes aren’t showy or materialistic.
miss out on ​phr v /mɪs aʊt ɒn/ We could be missing out on a great opportunity.
motivational ​adj /ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃənl/ They use motivational language to persuade the consumer.
on balance ​phrase /ɒn ˈbæləns/ You could argue against it, but on balance it’s the least worst
option.
pick up on ​phr v /pɪk ʌp ɒn/ The agency have picked up on several potential problems.
play on ​v /pleɪ ɒn/ Advertisers subconsciously play on our emotions.
put across ​phr v /pʊt əˈkrɒs/ Advertisers put across this message by using images.
status anxiety ​n /ˈsteɪtəs æŋˈzaɪəti/ Advertisers are focusing on the consumer’s status anxiety.
tap into ​phr v /tæp ˈɪntu/ The images used tap into our fears of becoming an outsider.
thoroughly ​
adv /ˈθʌrəli/ I thoroughly enjoyed your talk.
unique selling /juˈniːk selɪŋ pɔɪnt/ They don’t need to focus too much on the product’s USP.
point (USP) ​n
very much hope ​ /ˈveri mʌtʃ həʊp/ I very much hope that things will turn out well.
phrase
well received ​adj /wel rɪˈsiːvd/ I was hoping it would be well received.
worthwhile ​adj /ˌwɜːθˈwaɪl/ It was a very worthwhile meeting.

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