Your words matter in a professional environment. Some words end up giving a wrong message or can make you sound unprofessional, without you even realizing it. They can cause disagreements, create tensions, or worst of all damage your reputation.
You may have to avoid certain words to make sure you communicate clearly and respectfully at work. Here are the top ten words to avoid in the workplace.
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“Whatever”
This word sounds unprofessional or dismissive. When you say “whatever,” it implies that you don’t care about the outcome or the opinions of others. It instantly ends the discussion as it shows that you are not interested. Respect and engagement are important at workplace, even when you disagree with others. Instead of saying “whatever,” respond with a helpful comment or tip.
“Honestly”
If you begin a sentence with the word “honestly,” it makes people question everything you’ve said up to and beyond that point. It can make someone feel that you haven’t been honest until now. In a professional environment, it is important that trust is maintained. Even small words like “honestly” can damage that trust. Just state your opinion clearly, but don’t cast doubt on your previous words.
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“Obviously”
When you use this word, it may make others feel that you’re looking down on them. It implies that they should have already known whatever it is you are teaching them, making your coworkers feel inferior. It can also make you sound arrogant. Instead of saying “obviously,” explain things clearly and avoid making others feel uncomfortable for not knowing something.
“Never”
You should not use the word “never” in professional situations. This will make you look stubborn and not willing to cooperate. This is known as a conversation ender — like saying “I never do that” or “that never happens. It stops any chance of problem-solving or teamwork. Rather than using words like “never,” use language that shows you are willing to have a conversation. For example, you can use words like “rarely” or “it is uncommon” instead.
“But”
Everything you say before “but” is null and void. For instance, “You did a good job but…” makes the person forget the compliment and focus on the negative part. It can kill morale and lead to misunderstandings. Replace the “but” with an “and” or separate your ideas so the positive feedback is separate from any constructive criticism.
“Can’t”
“Can’t” sounds limiting and negative. At work, if someone tells you “I can’t do this”, they may come across as incapable or unwilling to find a solution. Rather than focusing on what you cannot do, shift your focus to the positive. Instead, you can say, “This is difficult but I will find a way to get it done,” or “I’m facing some obstacles, but let’s figure out how to work through them.”
“Maybe”
“Maybe” creates uncertainty. If it is used to frequently people may see you as someone who cannot make a decision or be firm in their choice. It is important to be clear and confident in professional settings. Rather than leave things hanging with “maybe,” it’s better to say, “I’ll need to check on that” or “Let me get back to you with a definite answer.
“Just”
Using the word “just” minimizes your point. Something like “I just wanted to ask” can make your request seem less important and immediately puts your request in the “if you feel like it” territory. This weakens your case and can make you sound unconfident. In professional settings, it’s better to be direct and confident. Instead of downplaying your need, say what you mean plainly.
“Sorry” (Overused)
Apologizing too often can reduce your self-confidence. You have to own up and apologize when you have truly done something wrong, but if you apologize for everything, it makes it seem like you do not know who you are or that you are guilty of guilt-tripping others. Instead of saying “sorry for the delay” it is often a better option to say, “thank you for your patience.” This keeps the conversation on a positive note.
“Impossible”
When you say a word like “impossible,” you become the roadblock to problem-solving. In the world of business, demonstrating that you’re going to work out and find solutions is very important. Instead of saying “this is impossible” you can say things like “This will be hard but let’s brainstorm other options” or “Let us figure out a way to get it done.”
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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