You worked hard to get a job, and you’re probably making goals to earn a pay raise, promotion or both this year. On top of presentations, sales reports, and other performance indicators, much of your success on the job depends on how you interact with your boss. But despite all your good intentions, a slip of tongue could quickly tarnish your boss’ perception of you. There are certain comments and questions based on negative perspectives that can set you back with your boss. Think twice before repeating any of these words to your manager.To avoid that kind of catastrophe and keep your job and dignity intact, here are some words and phrases you should never utter to your boss, even if you’re friends:
“I need a raise.”
No one likes to be given an ultimatum and that includes your boss. If you want a raise or perk, don’t threaten to quit if you don’t get it. This behavior is unprofessional and is practically guaranteed to end in failure. Brush up on your salary negotiation skills instead.
“It’s not my fault.”
The blame game is a treacherous path. If you’re innocent, then explain why. Don’t implicate others if you bear the primary responsibility. If you’re always seen as someone pointing the finger, eventually your boss is going to question who is really to blame.
“We’ve tried that before.”
When a new leader joins a company or team, it’s inevitable that she’ll want to try new things. However, some of those things will be projects and initiatives that have been tried at the company before and didn’t work. Bosses don’t like to hear about what was done before. In other words, you won’t win this argument, so instead of fighting against trying the same things again, determine why they failed in the past and try to make them better this time.
Your boss needs something done and he asks you to do it, then don’t disappoint him. You need to find a way to get it done either by doing it yourself or working with another employee to complete it.
“This is how we’ve always done it.”
People typically don’t like change and employees rarely like change. New leadership teams often want to make a variety of changes and employees respond negatively to those changes.
“That’s impossible”
Even if your boss is asking for something that seems impossible, avoid the urge to blurt out “No” in response to his request. Managers want to hear about solutions, not problems.
“I can’t work with that person.”
Your boss expects you to do your job, and sometimes you have to work with people you don’t like. Don’t show your boss that you’re difficult to work with by refusing to work with specific individuals.
“I’m too busy.”
Telling your boss, that you’re too busy to do something is like telling him you’re incapable of doing your job.
“I’m not paid enough to do that”
Maybe you’re just trying to be funny — or hint that you deserve a raise — but this phrase is highly inappropriate and unprofessional and it tells your boss that you’re not willing to go above and beyond.
“How do I benefit from this?”
Sometimes your work involves helping others and other departments. Bosses have little tolerance for those who aren’t team players.
