Business English from All Ears English

BE 525: What to Do with Your Veto Power at Work

Feb 3, 2026
They explore how and when to use veto power at work, comparing political and business meanings. Pronunciation and noun/verb differences get a quick breakdown. Practical rules cover when vetoing is appropriate, social uses among colleagues, and softer alternative phrases. A role play shows tone, hierarchy, and how explaining a veto preserves team motivation.
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ANECDOTE

Naming Kiefer Without Conflict

  • Lindsay and Michelle discuss naming Lindsay's dog Kiefer and how the name stuck after finding another dog already named Kiefer.
  • They used matching preference rather than conflict, so no vetoes were needed.
INSIGHT

Veto As A Powerful Decision Tool

  • A veto is the power to unilaterally stop an official action, often used by executives like presidents to reject legislation.
  • In business it functions similarly as a decisive 'no' that can be used as a verb or a noun.
ADVICE

Use Vetoes Only For Low-Stakes Choices

  • Limit vetoes to simple, low-effort choices like party food or slide images.
  • Reserve veto use for items that are easy to replace so you don't demotivate colleagues.
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