Initial Brainstorming for Process Optimization
A cross-departmental team meets to identify existing bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement in a current operational process. This session involves open discussion and idea generation.
多部门团队开会，旨在识别现有操作流程中的瓶颈、低效之处和需要改进的领域。本次会议涉及开放式讨论和想法生成。
对话
聆听并跟进对话
词汇
对话中的必备词汇和短语
bottlenecks
Points in a process where work slows down or stops, like traffic jams in a workflow. Use it in business discussions to describe problems that delay progress.
流程中工作变慢或停止的点，就像工作流程中的交通拥堵。在商业讨论中使用它来描述阻碍进展的问题。
pain points
The main problems or frustrations in a process that cause difficulties. It's a common phrase in meetings to highlight issues that need fixing.
过程中导致困难的主要问题或挫败感。这是会议中常见的短语，用于突出需要修复的问题。
handoff
The transfer of responsibility or information from one team or person to another. In business, it refers to passing tasks between departments.
从一个团队或人员向另一个团队或人员转移责任或信息。在商业中，它指的是部门之间传递任务。
rework
Doing a task again because of mistakes or incomplete work. It's used to describe wasted effort in processes that leads to inefficiency.
由于错误或不完整的工作而重新做一项任务。它用于描述导致低效的过程中的浪费努力。
standardize
To make something follow a fixed set of rules or formats for consistency. In operations, it means creating uniform procedures to reduce errors.
使某物遵循固定规则或格式集以确保一致性。在运营中，这意味着创建统一程序以减少错误。
streamline
To make a process simpler and more efficient by removing unnecessary steps. Use it when suggesting ways to improve workflows.
通过移除不必要的步骤使过程更简单和高效。在建议改进工作流程的方法时使用。
empower
To give people the authority or tools to make decisions independently. In team settings, it means trusting staff to handle tasks without constant approval.
赋予人们独立做出决定的权威或工具。在团队环境中，这意味着信任员工在没有持续批准的情况下处理任务。
time-sink
Something that takes up a lot of time with little benefit. It's informal business slang for activities that waste time and should be avoided.
占用大量时间但收益很少的东西。它是非正式的商业俚语，指那些浪费时间且应避免的活动。
关键句型
需要记住和练习的重要短语
Our goal today is to really dig into our current operational process and identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
This sentence introduces the purpose of a meeting using 'dig into' (meaning to examine deeply) and lists objectives. It's useful for starting business discussions; the structure with 'to' infinitives shows purpose. Use it to set agendas in team meetings.
这句话使用 'dig into'（意为深入检查）来介绍会议的目的，并列出目标。它对于启动商业讨论很有用；使用 'to' 不定式的结构显示目的。在团队会议中用它来设定议程。
From my perspective in customer service, the handoff between sales and order fulfillment is often where things get delayed.
This shares a personal view with 'from my perspective' (meaning from my point of view) and uses a relative clause to explain a problem. It's practical for contributing opinions in group talks; helps intermediate learners express departmental insights.
这分享了个人观点，使用“from my perspective”（意为从我的观点）并用关系从句解释问题。在小组讨论中贡献意见很实用；帮助中级学习者表达部门洞见。
I second that, Sarah.
A short way to agree with someone, meaning 'I agree completely.' It's an idiomatic expression common in meetings. Use it to show support quickly without repeating ideas, building polite conversation skills.
一种简短的同意某人的方式，意思是“我完全同意”。这是会议中常见的习语表达。使用它可以快速表示支持，而不重复想法，从而培养礼貌的对话技能。
That's a good point, Michael. Perhaps we need to standardize the sales order form or implement an automated system for data transfer.
This acknowledges agreement ('That's a good point') then suggests solutions with 'perhaps' for politeness and 'or' for alternatives. Useful for brainstorming; teaches conditional suggestions and coordination in proposals.
这承认了同意（「这是个好观点」），然后用「或许」表示礼貌和「或」表示备选方案来建议解决方案。有助于头脑风暴；教导提案中的条件建议和协调。
We've discussed it, but haven't taken concrete steps.
This contrasts past talk with lack of action using present perfect tense ('haven't taken') for ongoing situations. It's key for business updates; explains why ideas remain ideas, helping learners discuss progress or delays.
这使用现在完成时（'haven't taken'）来对比过去的讨论与行动的缺失，以表示持续的情况。这是商业更新的关键；解释了为什么想法仍只是想法，帮助学习者讨论进展或延误。
Let's note it down as a potential solution.
An imperative suggestion ('Let's note it down') to record ideas, with 'potential' meaning possible. Practical for meetings to capture suggestions; shows how to use imperatives for collaborative actions.
一个祈使建议（“让我们记下来”）用于记录想法，“potential”意为可能的。适用于会议捕捉建议；展示如何使用祈使句进行协作行动。
Could we empower frontline staff with more delegated authority for routine tasks?
A polite question using 'could we' for suggestions and 'empower...with' structure. It's useful in improvement discussions; teaches modal verbs for proposals and vocabulary for authority in teams.
一个使用 'could we' 进行建议的礼貌问题，以及 'empower...with' 结构。它在改进讨论中很有用；教导用于提案的助动词和团队中权威的词汇。
For our next meeting, let's come back with a few specific proposals for each of these points.
This assigns future actions with 'let's come back with' (meaning return prepared). The prepositional phrase sets timing. Essential for ending meetings; helps learners plan follow-ups and use imperatives for group commitments.
这使用「let's come back with」（意思是准备好后返回）来分配未来的行动。介词短语设置时间。会议结束必不可少；帮助学习者规划后续行动并使用祈使句进行群体承诺。