Windows

In the world of work ‘Windows’ can mean many things: Microsoft Windows (or simply Windows) is a metafamily of graphical operating systems running on 90% of workspace computers. The company’s modus operandi is to regularly release new versions and then expect users to load updates or buy new versions to correct all the ‘issues’ (broken bits) built into the previous one. ‘Windows’ is an absolute office-speak favourite, for example: “There's only a small window to manage the optics around the vision”; or “I have a window to discuss external visibility issues, so my door is open.” Then there is the popular office minion joke, “I never look out of the window until after lunch as it gives me something to do in the afternoon”. Executives have little time for such hilarity, as they are usually busy “leveraging strategies for synergies of scalability, pushing the envelope through the window of emergent opportunity”.

Glide Path

This describes the series of steps that lead to a defined business or corporate goal. 'Glide Paths' help staff do things the way they should be done and in the right sequence. They eliminate messy new ideas, initiative or dangerous forays into doing things better. It's also the places an aeroplane needs to be on final approach, so that it lands nicely on the runway, not upside down in a field some miles away. Above we see an example of a glidepath achieved from the back of a mobile office. These offices create a sweet spot, where forward momentum can be sustained and enjoyed.