ALT-2 Ten Things to never tell your Boss
Your job is your link to many things. Career success will also bring about personal success and financial success. You are one of the people who is paramount to making sure you have the best chance of success in your career. Your boss is the other person who can make sure you have a successful career. Staying on his good side is paramount to currying his favor. Therefore, what are some things you don't want to say to your boss?
1. I really need to talk to you
This was on top of a list compiled byCareer Builder. The reason you don't want to say this is simply a point of view issue. Your hours might seem excessive to you, but your boss might think that working 20 hours a week is perfectly acceptable. You could come off as whiny if you use this phrase.
2. This isn't my job
This is a commonsense one in this economy and was tops on a list compiled byYahoo! Finance. Your job is to do what your boss needs. It might not be ideal, but it is expected that you will be a team player in this economy.
3. This is stupid
Kate Siedametovaof Resumark lists this as her number one thing not to say to the boss. It makes sense that you shouldn't blow off something as unimportant. Your boss gave you a task because it was important. If you have a suggestion to make things easier you should bring it up at a later time.
4. I only have this job for the money
Career websiteMonsterlists this as their number one thing never to tell the boss. Your boss wants to see that you are there because you care, not simply because you wanted a paycheck.
5. I don't get paid enough for this
This was the number 2 response fromMarketingSpot. Telling your boss that you don't want to do a good job simply because you are unhappy with your pay is not a good sign. If you think you deserve a raise you should bring that up at the appropriate time. Either do that, or quit your job if you aren't happy with your pay.
6. It can't be done
This gem came from aUSNewslist which complied some top phrases never to use around your boss. Saying that a job can't be done says that you don't care, or that you don't have the skills to do your job. Either way, you are going to be in for a chewing out by your boss. You have to at least try first. That is the only way you know if the job cannot be done.
7. Sighing, or rolling your eyes
AskMenhad this as their number one thing to never say to your boss. Sure, it isn't actually something you have said, but you have said enough with your body language. Since most communication is non-verbal anyway, it is worth your time to hide that eye roll for when the boss is not looking.
8. I don't understand
TechRepublichas this listed as the number one thing a boss doesn't want to hear, so don't say it. If you have questions you need to ask ahead of time. If the boss doesn't give a good answer, you need to find out from someone else. The boss wants the job done his way and won't really be too worried about how well he communicates it to you.
9. Sorry, I drifted off
Megan Maluganiof Medepage has this as her number one thing never to say to your boss. If you aren't going to pay attention to your boss you could easily be out of a job. He isn't talking for his health, and he will probably feel disrespected if you don't listen to him.
10. Is that a photo of your mom, or your wife?
The UK version of Career Builderlists this as their number one thing to not say at work. If you don't know who the picture is of, don't ask. You think your boss likes you poking fun at his family? Most likely the answer is no, so just don't ask if you aren't sure of the answer already.
If you value your job and career it will be quite valuable to you to steer clear of these 10 phrases. Don't throw your job away simply because of poor thinking or judgement skills.
