czarofzar
02-18-2008, 06:50 PM
Over time, you've probably learned what not to say in a relationship. "Are you losing your hair?" "Yes, you do look fat in that dress." "I should give my old boyfriend a call." "You're just like your mother." Experience has taught you just how much trouble you can get into with a few words.
Be careful of what you say to your boss and coworkers.
When it comes to the workplace, however, you might not realize there are plenty of things you can say to damage your work relationships or even your own career. An off-the-cuff remark that you think went unnoticed, for example, might be the first thing your boss remembers when he thinks about you.
"That's not my job."
If somebody comes to you with an issue, there's probably a reason.
"Yeah, no problem." (If you don't mean it.)
If you take on a task with a smile but have no intention of actually completing it, you're going to earn a reputation as an unreliable person.
"Don't tell anyone I said this, but ... "
If it's really a secret, keep it to yourself.
"I haven't had a raise in four years."
"Most savvy supervisors don't think longevity merits a raise -- only high productivity does
"It's not my fault."
When your boss comes to you with a problem, the last thing you want to do is to deflect blame to someone else.
"To be honest with you ... "
First, any time this phrase is used, you know something negative is going to follow.
"Whom did you vote for?"
The old adage that you shouldn't discuss politics is as true today as ever before.
"I got so trashed last night ... "
You're probably not the only person in the office to indulge in a drink (or a keg) now and then, but you're probably the only one bragging about it to your boss.
"I just didn't have enough time for that."
In case you didn't realize, everybody's pretty busy these days.
". . . or else."
Giving anyone in the office an ultimatum rarely ends in success.
Be careful of what you say to your boss and coworkers.
When it comes to the workplace, however, you might not realize there are plenty of things you can say to damage your work relationships or even your own career. An off-the-cuff remark that you think went unnoticed, for example, might be the first thing your boss remembers when he thinks about you.
"That's not my job."
If somebody comes to you with an issue, there's probably a reason.
"Yeah, no problem." (If you don't mean it.)
If you take on a task with a smile but have no intention of actually completing it, you're going to earn a reputation as an unreliable person.
"Don't tell anyone I said this, but ... "
If it's really a secret, keep it to yourself.
"I haven't had a raise in four years."
"Most savvy supervisors don't think longevity merits a raise -- only high productivity does
"It's not my fault."
When your boss comes to you with a problem, the last thing you want to do is to deflect blame to someone else.
"To be honest with you ... "
First, any time this phrase is used, you know something negative is going to follow.
"Whom did you vote for?"
The old adage that you shouldn't discuss politics is as true today as ever before.
"I got so trashed last night ... "
You're probably not the only person in the office to indulge in a drink (or a keg) now and then, but you're probably the only one bragging about it to your boss.
"I just didn't have enough time for that."
In case you didn't realize, everybody's pretty busy these days.
". . . or else."
Giving anyone in the office an ultimatum rarely ends in success.