10 Things to Stop Saying At Work
by: HEATHER R.
HUHMAN
from: Parade
Everything you
say in the workplace counts. Whether it’s sharing an idea during a meeting or
helping a coworker with a project, what you say can make a lasting impression.
The way you
communicate your attitude, ideas, and opinions in the workplace can influence
your success. Your coworkers and managers are closely paying attention to what
you say, so it’s important to always think before you speak.
To avoid slipping
up when communicating with a coworker or manager, there are a few phrases to
avoid. Here are 10 things to never say in the workplace:
1. “I finished my
project. What should I do now?”
While it’s great
to ask for more responsibilities after you’ve knocked out your to-do list, you
should be able to figure out what to do next without being assigned another
task.
Employers value
employees who are self-starters and can find projects to work on when they’re
not busy. The next time you find yourself with some downtime, don’t hesitate to
start another project or help a coworker with a task.
2. “I’m soooo
bored.”
“Bored” is a word
you must avoid saying at work. When you express your boredom in the workplace,
it shows you’re disengaged.
If you’re feeling
bored at work, be proactive and seek new challenges. Explain to your boss you
need more projects or new experiences to keep you engaged at work.
3. “I pulled an
all-nighter last night to finish this project.”
Although you
might feel very accomplished after burning the midnight oil to finish a
project, it’s unlikely your boss will be impressed.
Employers want
employees who are able to complete their work without having to constantly
overextend their abilities or time. If you want to impress your employer,
figure out new ways to become more efficient at work.
4. “That’s not my
job.”
Just because a
duty isn’t in your job description does not mean you can’t or shouldn’t perform
it. The next time your boss or coworker asks you for help on a project, be open
minded to learning how to perform a new task.
5. “Joe was in
charge of that project, not me.”
When you don’t
take responsibility for your actions in the workplace, you can dig yourself a
very deep hole with your coworkers and boss.
Employers expect
employees to be accountable for their work and to be honest when something goes
wrong. Never place the blame on someone else when a deadline is missed or you
forget an important detail.
6. “I can’t do
that.”
“Can’t” is a word
every employee needs to remove from their vocabulary. If there’s something you
don’t know how to do, take initiative to learn the new skill and ask for help.
7. “I haven’t had
enough time.”
In most cases,
this statement is often a lie in the workplace. While your boss understands
your busy schedule and heavy workload, you should also know that it’s your
responsibility to be a productive employee.
If you truly find
yourself running out of time to work on projects, ask your boss to prioritize
your tasks. This will help you become more organized and focused on the most important
projects.
8. “I thought I
emailed you a week ago.”
Whether it’s your
boss, a coworker, customer, or client, always be the first person to follow up.
If it’s been a few days since you’ve heard from someone, email them again or
give them a call.
9. “Does this
make sense?”
Instead of asking
your colleague whether they understand the topic you just explained, ask them
for their feedback. For example, ask the employee, “Do you have any questions
or thoughts to share?” This gives the colleague an opportunity to voice their
understanding.
10. “You should…”
Pointing fingers
or placing blame on your coworkers is a negative way to communicate in the
workplace. For example, instead of saying, “Hey Beth, you should tell me when
you’re going to take a lunch,” it’s better to say, “Beth, please check in with
me before you leave for lunch.”
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