Very often it turns out that with diplomatic skills we can achieve much more at work than with honesty. This in some situations is very inappropriate, it can upset the boss, make him feel uncomfortable or start to wonder about our competences.
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Each workplace has a different atmosphere and different relations between the supervisor and his employees. In some companies it is more official, in others there is a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Regardless of your relationship with your boss, there are things you shouldn’t tell him. Here are 10 things not to say to your boss.
10 things not to say to your boss
- You are wrong: No matter how good your relationship with your boss is, it’s much better to avoid making statements that are meant to point out to him that he’s wrong. It’s definitely better to say: “I may be wrong, but it seems to me that…”
- I can’t, I have to do something else: Saying no to the superior is not easy, but sometimes necessary, especially since he may simply not know what we are currently doing and how much we have to do. It’s much better to tell him, “Shall I put off what I have to do now to attend to what you’re asking me to do?”
- I’ll try to do it somehow: When a supervisor hears a statement like that, he knows he can’t rely on you for that. If you don’t feel up to it, say, “I’ll do my best to make it.” However, if that turns out to be impossible, let your boss know right away. He’ll know you tried, and that usually means a lot to the supervisor.
- I had an argument with my husband, I don’t have a head for it today…: The superior is usually not interested in the private life of his subordinates. If you’re having a bad day for personal reasons, try to keep it to yourself anyway, or take time off if possible.
- I can’t cooperate with him: Unless there are serious problems such as mobbing or sexual harassment, the supervisor should not hear such a task for reasons of sympathy or antipathy. If you want him to assign you to work with someone else, you can hint: I work much faster and more efficiently with x.
- Can we talk honestly? If you say that to your boss, it makes him think that you haven’t been honest with him so far. Better avoid such terms. It’s much better to simply say, “Can we talk about…”.
- I have no idea: The supervisor usually does not like to hear such an answer to the question asked. If you don’t know her, better say, “I don’t know, but I’ll try to figure it out and let you know.”
- I heard X got a raise: The amount of remuneration is usually a secret in the company. If the boss finds out that employees are sharing information about raises, bonuses, etc., he may not be happy. This means subordinates are breaking the contract. If you want to earn more, you better start the conversation with: “Hint, what could I do to count on a raise in the near future?”
- It can’t be done: Even if you think so, say: I will try to realize it, if I fail I will let you know or ask you for help.
- What will I get out of it? Such a perverse statement in response to a request or order from a superior is inappropriate. He might maliciously reply, “I’m not going to fire you.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
