What it actually means
Things I want done quickly so I can claim a win this quarter, ideally not by me.
Surface meaning: Easy tasks or wins that require minimal effort.
If someone just said “Low-Hanging Fruit” in a meeting, here is what they probably meant, what to do about it, and how to keep your sanity.
In the wild
Director: Let's start with the low-hanging fruit.
(Two months later: the fruit was on a 40-foot tree.)
How to respond
When proposed, ask: 'Who picks it and by when?' Low-hanging fruit without an owner stays on the branch.
Origin
Agricultural metaphor adopted by consulting in the 1980s. Implies effort that, in reality, is rarely low.
FAQ
What does "Low-Hanging Fruit" actually mean?
Things I want done quickly so I can claim a win this quarter, ideally not by me.
Where did the phrase "Low-Hanging Fruit" come from?
Agricultural metaphor adopted by consulting in the 1980s. Implies effort that, in reality, is rarely low.
How should I respond when someone says "Low-Hanging Fruit"?
When proposed, ask: 'Who picks it and by when?' Low-hanging fruit without an owner stays on the branch.
Related corporate vocabulary
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