Honesty and frankness always pay off. But there are exceptions to this rule, especially at work. Professional development specialists emphasize that when talking with your boss, you should not speak directly and use criticism. Even a small argument can ruin your career.
The following is a list of phrases that are best avoided when talking to your supervisor.
"You are not right"
Etiquette and courtesy experts assure that openly criticizing the boss or pointing out mistakes to him is an easy way to get fired or lose his respect. If you feel that the boss was wrong, then you can say: "I guess I misunderstood, but it seemed to me that ...".
“This is not my responsibility.”
None of the work has an exact description of your responsibilities.
“You are expected to be executive and make life easier for your boss. The more skills you have, the less you are interchangeable, ”explains labor market expert Lynn Taylor.
If you do not want to go beyond the standard work, then this means that you do not care about the success of the company. Demand for such employees is low.
"I can not"
A positive attitude is a very valuable trait of character. If you say that you can’t do any work, then you demonstrate insecurity and unwillingness to accept the challenge.
"Not"
Sometimes you need to say no, but without the right argument, it can be poorly perceived. If your boss asks if you can start work on another project, instead of a short denial, answer: “Starting today will be difficult if you want me to focus on preparing the presentation of the company. Do you want me to take care of this? ”
"I will try"
Some people consider this an acceptable answer, but he leaves the boss with a feeling of uncertainty, because he gives you the order and wants the work to be done on time. Imagine that to the question: “Will you pay me your salary?”, Your boss will answer: “I will try.”
"I dont know"
No one knows the answers to all the questions, but once again shrugging your shoulders, you will not win over the boss. The next time you need his help, he will refuse.
“What will happen to me?”
Sometimes your work requires disinterested help from other people or departments. Leaders are usually impatient with people who cannot participate in team missions.
“Sorry, but ...”
The “but” union says that you do not apologize for the inconvenience caused to the boss or the refusal to fulfill his request. Best to say: “Sorry. I’ll try next time. ”
“I don’t get much paid to do this”
This phrase is similar to "it is not my responsibility." Maybe you want to hint at a raise or joke, but these words are extremely inappropriate and lack professionalism.
“Today I am not able to”
Everyone has personal problems. That's when your professionalism is tested. Why does your boss have to wait while you deal with your failures? It’s worth considering just taking a day off.
“I did everything in my power”
This is just an excuse. If you made a mistake and these words are all that you can say, then it is worth considering. Better admit your wrong and promise the next time to do it right.
“I heard something”
Avoid gossip and speculation. If you are not sure, then do not share the news with anyone. Otherwise, you will look unprofessional.
“I already did that”
Bosses don't like lazy people. Think about whether you really did your best.If yes, then explain to the boss that you tried, but this did not give the expected results, so you are ready to gladly try a more effective way.
"It seemed to me that…"
This phrase upsets many executives who would rather hear that you made a mistake and made conclusions. Justification only exacerbates the situation.
“Because they will fire me!”
This phrase shows unprofessionalism and makes the company think about your dismissal.
“At my previous work we did differently”
No boss likes all employees at once, so be careful if you want to share a better idea. Turn her into a question.
“It's really not my fault, because it's my fault ...”
Blaming other employees is the wrong way. If you are not to blame, then explain why without mentioning colleagues. Take responsibility. If you are a person pointing a finger at others, then in the end you yourself will begin to wonder: “Whose fault is this really?”
“The past boss did better.”
Usually, bosses think that their approaches are better than their predecessors, because now they occupy this position. If the method of your leader is not entirely clear and understandable, then do not mention the previous boss, so as not to complicate the situation.
"This is stupid"
Accusations and defamation of others mislead the authorities. In the future, it will turn against you.
"I'm bored"
The situation will become tense if you confess to boredom to the wrong person or your boss. The boss pays you for productivity and enthusiasm, so find a way to make the job interesting.
“I can’t work with him”
Lack of ability to collaborate with others will not lead to anything good. Leaders expect that you can overcome personal differences to achieve great results.
"Why is he always ...?"
A whimper is annoying. If you want to complain about someone, then think about how you can solve the problem yourself. Do not interfere with others.
“Can I talk about this with your boss?”
Each boss has his own leader, communicating with which, you undermine the authority of his boss. Most likely, this will lead to dismissal or a bad attitude towards you.
“I can’t find a solution”
Do not tell the boss about the problem without providing a possible solution. Leaders find a way out of trouble, and followers find problems.
“I have nothing to do, can I leave early?”
If you need to leave work earlier than usual, then there is nothing wrong with that. But do not say that you have nothing to do. There is always something to do, and bosses are counting on your initiative.
"It's impossible"
Your manager does not want to hear of lack of conviction or despair. Approach obstacles with a positive and remember that even the walls have ears, therefore, carefully select the words for the poet.
“I will not be at work for several days”
Do not put the boss before the fact. It is better to report this unobtrusively and carefully. You are not a child, so you do not need to ask: "Can I take time off on Monday and Tuesday?" But try to ask: "I planned to take time off on Monday and Tuesday and wanted to make sure that you would not mind."
“Why does he have, but I don't?”
Focus on your career, not on other people's salaries or promotions. Unless, of course, you really are not belittled. Otherwise, talk to the boss in private and do not forget to argue your doubts.