WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, HIRING BEST PRACTICES, CAREER ADVICE.
Things to NEVER say at Work
Posted on 05/26 by Erin Helms
How you communicate to your co-workers or boss sends messages about your degree of commitment to your job, your concern in helping others and being a collaborator. The following phrases might be familiar to you. Remember them and try to make each one off-limits if you want to be a responsible professional employee.
“That Is Not My Problem”
Guess what? If it transpires in your organization, it is your problem. Even if it does not fall under your job description, you can still be part of the solution. Your tone and this hand-off indicate that you do not care. Instead of stating that it is not your problem, consider suggesting another employee with experience in the area of concern.
“This May Be a Stupid Idea But…”
Do you qualify your ideas or apologize for your opinions and suggestions? Break this habit now. Statements like “I’m sorry if this is wrong” or “I know this probably does not make sense, but…” indicate no confidence in your value or ideas.
“I Told You So”
When you say this to a colleague who tried something that did not work, you are petty, spiteful and rude. There is absolutely nothing in this statement that adds value, contributes or offers constructive criticism. When submitting feedback, praise them for at least trying and provide insights that might help them with their approach moving forward. Avoiding this statement is particularly crucial for managers who do not wish to stifle creativity, innovation and problem-solving.
“It’s the Way We Have Always Done It”
This common workplace phrase contributes absolutely nothing to a conversation other than telling everyone you are not a forward-thinking employee. This phrase indicates something is not working, so the sensible thing is to find a new approach. The phrase suggests you are reluctant to find new answers and disinterested in getting things right.
“I’m Very Busy”
So is everyone else! If you are unusually busy or have extra tasks on your plate, let your colleagues know. Be sincere with them about when they can expect your response time on things you are working on together. You do not want your co-workers to view you as someone too busy to be bothered. Your colleagues will likely develop resentment toward you.
“I Don’t Care”
This one speaks for itself, and it is not hard to understand how this statement could come across poorly to your boss and co-workers. Realistically, you probably do not have a personal stake in everything at your company. However, how you voice this lack of concern matters here. LaborMAX can help you secure jobs where you can earn a living, build skills, and get in touch with employers who are hiring.
Tagged: #ThingsToNeverSayAtWork
Browse Available Jobs
Are you looking for work? LaborMAX can find you the right job.
SEARCH JOBS NOWCategories
What's Happening
Avoid These 3 Common Job Scams
There comes a point when looking for a job that it might feel as though you'll be searching forever -- and that's when the "too good to be true" opportunities seem to come out of the proverbial woodwork. We're ready to help you avoid these scams before it's too late! Here's what to look for to protect yourself -- and how LaborMAX can help you find a great job that really is as good as it sounds.
Read more >>Construction Safety Week in May
With the return of spring comes Construction Safety Week! Everyone has a responsibility and a role to play when it comes to keeping workers safe on construction sites. Each spring, we dedicate a week in May to providing smart, sensible, actionable advice to promote safe working environments for construction workers. Here are the topics for this year's Construction Safety Week, taking place May 6-10, 2024:
Read more >>Why You Should Start Your Summer Job Search Now
The winter weather is just in the rearview mirror and the hotter weather might feel like it's a long way off in the future, but the best time to start thinking about where you'll be working this summer is right now. There are plenty of benefits in starting your summer job search sooner than later!
Read more >>