5 Things to Never Tell Your Boss, and What You Should Say Instead
By hire-up-staffing in Industry Resources
In your career, regardless what path or field you are in, you will always want to kill it. However, the wrong move or wrong words can kill the career itself instead. The key to this is effective communication at the office, and here are five tips on what not to say and what you could say to properly convey your message.
Don’t say: “I left a message for him.”
Explanation: Nobody really checks voicemail as quickly or as often as they would their e-mails and text messages. So, nobody can really say leaving a voicemail is as much of an effort, even if said voice message was left hours earlier. In all honesty, if something is time sensitive, try multiple mediums. Try e-mailing first, then follow-up with a call if you still have not heard back.
What to say instead: “I tried my best reaching him multiple ways, and I will follow up again with him shortly.”
Don’t say: “I will be on leave (or vacation) on (x date).”
Explanation: Don’t forget that you need to ask permission first before booking your time off. You might not know it, but your boss may have certain projects planned that she hasn’t told you about yet. Besides, it’s rude and disrespectful not just to your boss but to your clients and projects as well.
What to say instead: “Is it okay if I use my days off soon? I am planning to book a vacation with my family on (x dates).”
Don’t say: “I feel so tired today.”
Explanation: Do not ever complain about being tired when you are at work, or in relation to your work. Experts say that due to social media, people in general feel like communication is more casual these days. However, you still need to mind your words and how what you say at work and about work would reflect on yourself.
What to say instead: Nothing. Do not say anything, not even to your coworkers if you can help it.
Don’t say: “You never told me to do that.”
Explanation: Saying it that way would be pointing fingers. Try to say it in such a manner that you’re not taking the blame, but you’re not blaming him either for the fault.
What to say instead: “I’m sorry, I was not aware that I had to do that.”
Don’t say: “I have been here for (x) years and I deserve a raise.”
Explanation: Remember in one of our previous articles that there are better ways in asking for a raise? Certainly, your tenure isn’t a surefire way of getting an increase. Time is meaningless in the working world – you will need to show your boss why you deserve that raise. Nobody wants to give an increase to a person who feels he or she is entitled because of how long they have been with a company.
What to say instead: “I would love the opportunity to talk with you one-on-one so we may pass through my accomplishments over the past year. I think I have grown a lot in my position, and I believe I’m ready for more responsibility.”
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