Walk the floor

Definition

When executives leave their corner offices to briefly interact with regular employees, like anthropologists visiting a remote tribe. Often done before layoffs to identify who actually works there.

Example Usage

The CEO is walking the floor today, so everyone pretend to look busy and engaged.

Origin

Manufacturing management practices from the mid-20th century

Fun Fact

Walking the floor for 10 minutes is considered sufficient to understand months of operational complexity.

Source: Management terminology

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