What Does ‘on the Runway’ Mean?

Although it may sound like something out of a Hollywood film, “on the runway” can actually mean a few different things in the office. When you hear someone say it, they could be referring to a strategy, a meeting, or even a person.

A Strategy

Sometimes a business will have a particular strategy that they use as their approach to tackling a problem or project. This is known as “on the runway.” Essentially, it means that the strategy has been laid out and is ready to be implemented on the “runway” – your project timeline. It’s important to have clear expectations of how the strategy will be executed, as well as what you and your team can do to ensure it works.

Meeting

In a business context, “on the runway” can also refer to a meeting. This is when all stakeholders gather together to review the strategy and provide feedback before moving ahead with the project. Having a “runway” meeting can allow everyone involved to provide their own ideas and perspectives, resulting in a better understanding of the strategy and how it will be executed. Creating a space for meaningful discussion can help the strategy reach its best potential.

Person

Finally, “on the runway” can also refer to a person. This is someone who has been identified as having a key role in the project and is expected to take a proactive part in its progress. This individual could be in charge of the overall strategy, or they could be responsible for specific tasks that need to be completed in order to reach the desired outcomes. In either scenario, they are essentially”on the runway,” ready to get the project running.

So, now you know what “on the runway” means in a professional context. Understanding this phrase can help you navigate complex projects, meetings and even conversations with confidence.