What Is a boondoggle?

For those who are just entering the job market and hearing this business/office jargon for the first time, a boondoggle might sound like a strange and unfamiliar word. So, it’s helpful to break down the word and its meaning.

A boondoggle is an activity or project, which is often costly, yet nonsense and/or unnecessary. It is usually a waste of time, resources, or money. Boondoggles are activities that often have little to no value to the organization or company involved.

Examples of Boondoggles

For example, a company might develop a product that nobody needs. Or, a company might hire a group of consultants to complete a project that has no tangible outcome. In some cases, a boondoggle might even be a vacation taken on the company dime. Unfortunately, there are endless examples of boondoggles.

What to Do if You See a Boondoggle in Progress

If you find yourself in the unlucky situation of witnessing a boondoggle, you’ll want to do your best to speak up. No matter if you are a part of the project or not, it can be beneficial to make your concerns known. In doing so, you may be able to help save company resources and money.

It might be a difficult conversation, but it is one worth having. It’s always best to bring up your concerns in an honest and respectful, yet professional manner. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion and back it up with facts and logic.

In Conclusion

Boondoggles can be found in every organization or company out there. So it is essential for those entering the job market to be aware of this terminology and what it means. It can be tricky to spot a boondoggle, but if you educate yourself on this business/office jargon and utilize your critical thinking abilities, you’ll be sure to spot one and help to avoid the waste of resources or money.