Corporate Vocabulary Field Guide

What “Run It Up the Flagpole” Actually Means

To propose an idea to leadership or stakeholders to gauge reaction.

What it actually means
I don't have authority to decide this and I want you to know I tried.
Surface meaning: To propose an idea to leadership or stakeholders to gauge reaction.
If someone just said “Run It Up the Flagpole” in a meeting, here is what they probably meant, what to do about it, and how to keep your sanity.
In the wild
Manager: Let me run this up the flagpole. (The flagpole is in another time zone.)
How to respond

Ask who is at the top of the flagpole and when the answer comes back. A flagpole without a name is a stalling tactic.

Origin

1950s advertising slang, popularized in 'Mad Men' and never quietly retired.

FAQ
What does "Run It Up the Flagpole" actually mean?
I don't have authority to decide this and I want you to know I tried.
Where did the phrase "Run It Up the Flagpole" come from?
1950s advertising slang, popularized in 'Mad Men' and never quietly retired.
How should I respond when someone says "Run It Up the Flagpole"?
Ask who is at the top of the flagpole and when the answer comes back. A flagpole without a name is a stalling tactic.
Related corporate vocabulary
Circle Back→Table This→Take This Offline→Stakeholder→Alignment→
Next in the glossary
Per My Last Email→As Discussed→Friendly Reminder→

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