What Does ‘Push the Envelope’ Mean?

It’s a phrase you’ll hear a lot in the business and corporate world, but what does “push the envelope” actually mean? In short, “pushing the envelope” is a phrase used to describe taking risks and going out of one’s comfort zone in order to create a new result or achieve a desired outcome. It implies a challenge to the status quo or the norm, as well as a creative and innovative approach to a situation. In the simplest terms, it’s an encouragement to think outside the box.

Let’s look at a few examples to better understand what “pushing the envelope” looks like in the real world: Maybe your small business is struggling to find new customers, so you decide to focus on online advertising as a way to reach a wider audience. This would be considered pushing the envelope since most small businesses wouldn’t typically go down that path. Or, in the corporate world, let’s say your boss assigns you a task that requires advanced coding skills, something you don’t initially have the expertise for. You could take the challenge head-on and learn the skills needed in order to complete the assignment, pushing yourself and thus the envelope.

The phrase “push the envelope” is essential for any professional entering the workforce. It conveys the importance of being willing to take risks in order to achieve results, as well as displaying creativity when thinking about solutions to problems. Whether you’re in a small business or corporate job, “pushing the envelope” is a great way to show initiative and demonstrate the potential you have to offer.