Even your boss can be a bit of a headache sometimes. Your words have a big impact on your career, even when you don’t intend them to. Some phrases can show you are unprofessional or non-cooperative, and that will affect your relationship with your manager. Be positive and prove you’re a team player. Here are 11 Things you shouldn’t say to your boss if you want to keep your career on the right side of the tracks.
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“That’s Not In My Job Description”
This is like you don’t want to contribute or play the part. Even if it is not a task you do regularly, simply refusing to do it is rude. Instead, say, “Hey, I’d be willing to pitch in, but can you balance this with what I’m already working on?” It shows that you are open to pitching in, and you know how much work you have to do.
“I Didn’t Know That Was Important”
When you tell me this it sounds like you didn’t hear or care. And if you get left out, better be like, “I’m sorry about that. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.” Being accountable and making yourself seem like you’re trying to learn from the mistakes make a better impression.
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“That’s Not How We Used to Do It”
Change is painful, but with this expression, you sound closed-minded. Rather, say, “Well, can you tell us how this change will benefit us?” It says you are interested and ready to take the leap, even if you have concerns.
“I Can’t Work with [Sam]”
You don’t look professional when you criticize someone in front of your boss. When there is an issue, deal with the problem, not the person. For instance, “I’ve noticed some teamwork issues on this project. Is there a way to smooth it out?” This shows that you are interested in the solution to the problem and not blame them.
“That’s Not My Fault”
No one likes excuses, especially your manager. If you weren’t entirely at fault, you might try, “Look, here’s what happened, and this is what I believe we can do about it.” Participating in the solution says you’re responsible and trustworthy.
“I’ll Try, But No Promises”
This seems like you’re not sure or don’t want to work for it. Say instead “I’ll try to take care of this and let you know if I need help.” That’s trusting and reliable and bosses like that.
“I Don’t Have Time for That”
To tell your employer you’re busy can sound dismissive. Better to say “I’d like to do something about this. Could you let me know which should come first?” This demonstrates respect for your boss’s needs and keeps the dialogue on the right track.
“I Want A Raise, My Bills Are High”
If you want to talk about personal debt issues in a conversation, it isn’t going to work. Pay increases should be based on how well you work. Instead, say, “I’d like to talk about getting a raise for what I’ve done, such as [certain accomplishments].” It keeps the conversation focused on your performance.
“That’s Impossible”
This saying shuts off the dialogue and makes you sound pessimistic. Try to make something work out when it’s hard and just say, “Oh, that’s really tough, but I’m willing to try and see if we can solve that.” That’s proof you’re willing to try.
“I’m Bored with My Work”
If you tell your boss you are bored, you sound ungrateful and uninspired. If you need more push, you can say, “I’d like to try new things and learn from them. Are there opportunities I can explore?” That is proactive and shows that you are eager to give more.
“I Can’t Do That”
And even if something feels like that you’re not good at, just try to do it anyway because you learn something. Instead try: “This is new for me. Can I get some advice to do it right?”. This tells your boss that you’re flexible and hungry to learn.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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