There are things you should never say at work. You cannot take them back. And these are not racist jokes, political incorrectness or something that is denied to you. There are things that cast a much worse light on you. Usually these are small and seemingly innocent observations that do irreparable damage and that really make us incompetent. No matter how talented you are or what you have achieved in life, there are phrases that make people change their opinion about you in an instant. These phrases are so loaded with negative implications that they even harm careers. Check out the 11 phrases you need to ditch from your business vocabulary if you want to keep your job.
11 things that at work you must never say…
That's not fair.
Everyone knows life isn't fair. If you emphasize this, you will give the impression that you think life should be fair. This will make you seem immature and naive.
We've always done it this way.
Technology is developing and changing so quickly that a matter that is half a year old can already be out of date. This sentence will make you seem lazy and like a person who does not want to change. If you're doing something the way you've always done it, then surely there's a better way.
No problem.
When someone gives you an order or thanks you, never say, "No problem." This gives the impression that the task might be difficult, while at the same time creating the feeling that people are forcing themselves on you, that they are bothering you. Replace 'no problem' with 'with pleasure'.
I think.../This might sound stupid.../I'm going to ask something stupid.
Credibility goes down the drain in an instant with these stripped-down phrases. Even if you have a good idea, these sentences suggest that you lack confidence and people have lost trust in you. Don't be your own biggest critic. If you're not sure of what you're saying, no one else will be either. And if you don't know something, just say so.
It will only take a minute.
If something really doesn't take even a minute (what does it take that little time???) you'll show that you lack skills or that you're rushing through tasks.
READ MORE: 7 things that get on the nerves of regulars!
I will try.
Like 'think', the word 'try' sounds hesitant and shows a lack of confidence. Trust in your abilities. If you're asked to do something, do it or offer an alternative, but don't ever say you're going to try because it sounds like you're not going to try hard enough.
He is lazy./He is incompetent./He is an idiot.
Belittling, like violence, leads nowhere. If your assessment of a colleague's incompetence is correct, everyone already knows it anyway, so there's no need to point it out. Because if it's not true, you will act like a fool.
This is not in my job description.
This often sarcastic phrase suggests that you are only willing to do the bare minimum to earn your paycheck and won't lift a finger for anything else. If your boss ever surprises you with a new task that you don't feel responsible for (and that doesn't conflict with your ethical and moral beliefs), tackle it with enthusiasm anyway. Book a meeting later to talk to your boss about your role in the company.
It's not my fault.
Placing the blame for failure on something or someone else is never a smart idea. If you are guilty, even partially or indirectly, plead guilty. Don't shirk responsibility. If it really isn't your fault, offer an objective explanation and stay calm. Stick to the facts and let your superiors or colleagues draw their own conclusions.
I can't.
'I can't' is like 'it's not my fault'. People don't like to hear these words because they understand them as 'I won't/don't want to'. 'I can't' suggests that you are not willing to do what it takes to get the task done. If you really can't do something, suggest an alternative solution. Instead of saying what you can't do, say what you can do.
I hate this job.
The last thing your co-workers want to hear is you proclaiming how much you hate this job. With this, you get the stamp of a villain, who lowers the morale of the entire team. Such things quickly catch on with your superiors, and we know that there is a long line of candidates behind you who would be happy to replace you.
