By Bizna Brand Analyst
“Think before you speak” is always a good policy — and at work it’s even more important. Saying the wrong thing to your boss can do serious damage to your career — and some of the things bosses don’t like to hear may surprise you. We checked in with some managers and came up with this list of nine phrases they strongly dislike — and we’ll tell you what you should say instead:
1. I need a salary raise
Never enter salary negotiations talking about what you need — because of rising costs or a new expense, for instance. Your employer doesn’t care about your financial problems. However, management probably does want to reward success and keep high-performing employees satisfied. A raise request should always be supported by evidence of what you’ve achieved for the company — along with information about what people with your responsibilities typically earn.
2. I don’t think that is possible
Always speak to your boss in terms of what can be done. For instance, rather than saying “We can’t get this done by Friday,” say “We could definitely get this done by Monday, or if we brought in some extra help, we could meet the Friday deadline.” When you talk to your boss, think in terms of solving problems for them, not in terms of putting problems on their plate.
3. I can’t stand working with so and so
Complaining about a coworker’s personality usually reflects more poorly on you than on the coworker. Don’t make these kinds of conflicts your boss’s problem. Of course, management is interested in problems that jeopardize the company’s ability to function. If you have to speak to HR about a problem such as a colleague’s threatening, illegal or unethical behavior, keep your tone professional and the focus on work — not personal issues.
4. Asking your boss anything that can be easily googled
There’s no such thing as a dumb question, but there are definitely questions you can answer yourself. Asking your boss makes you look helpless. “For example, how do I change my email signature? What is the best route to the seminar? Do you remember the name of so-and-so’s assistant?” These are things you can find out yourself online nowadays. There are things like google maps. You don’t have to ask your boss for directions when he sends you somewhere, It’s called doing your research, and it’s the difference between a highly-efficient self-starter and an employee who will always waste your time.
5. But I emailed you about that last week
Alerting your boss to a problem via email doesn’t absolve you of all responsibility for it. Bosses hate the “out of my outbox, out of my mind” attitude. Keep tabs on all critical issues you know about — and keep checking in until you hear a firm “You don’t need to worry about that anymore.”
6. It’s not my fault
Are you a whiny 8-year-old or a take-charge professional? Assume responsibility and take steps to fix a problem that you did, in fact, create. And if you are being wrongly blamed for a problem, saying “Let’s get to the bottom of this” or “What can we do to make it right?” is much more effective than saying “It’s not my fault.”
7. I don’t know
If your boss asks you a question you can’t answer, the correct response is not “I don’t know.” It’s “I’ll find out right away.”
8. But we’ve always done it this way
You may find yourself with a new boss who wants to try new things — and the best way to present yourself as a workplace relic is to meet change with a “we do it this way because this is the way we do it” attitude. When a brainstorming session takes place, be part of it and stay open to new ideas. If you have concerns about a new idea’s feasibility, say “I think for this to work, we will have to…” Don’t kill new ideas with negativity.
9. So and so feels the same way.
While you might think there’s strength in numbers, chances are, your boss won’t think of it that way. Gossip is the worst thing possible. It’ll make your boss feel ganged up on.
10. I am better than so and so
You might be tempted to claim how you are better than your fellow employee during a performance review—but it won’t help you look any more valuable. No two human beings are exactly alike, so comparing yourself to Jane is just asking for trouble. You have no idea about all the variables that are different between you and your co-worker. Or you just can’t ever say that you’re exactly like someone else so you should earn what he or she earns. It’s much better to focus on your own value, and how you’re eager to take on even more at the company.
