Ten Things to never tell your Boss
Your boss is your boss, not your mother, friend or neighbor. There are any number of things you could easily say to other people that you would never want to tell your boss. You’re there to do work, think about work and talk about work, and the boss is there to do his or her own work and make sure everyone else does theirs. So bear in mind that you’ll need to limit the amount of personal conversation you engage in with your boss.Not everything you say to your boss has to be about work. In fact, being friendly and approachable is important in building relationships with both your co-workers and your boss, especially if you’re seeking advancement. Just don’t ask for or discuss information that is overly personal. Ask how their vacation went or how the renovations on their house are coming along. Don’t try to talk about their relationships or problems.However, even conversations about work, the workplace or your responsibilities can go awry if you’re not careful of the way you express yourself. Here are a few things you should never tell your boss:1. I can’t.Any sentence beginning with "I can’t" is a no-no. If you have too much on your plate, examine your responsibilities and see if what can be delegated or is less crucial and could be put off to a later date. If you think it’s impossible, look for a way that “you can” first.2. I really need to talk to you.Make sure that is really true before you take a meeting, and tell the boss what it’s regarding up front. Managers want to be there for employees, but simply do not have time to discuss every single need.3. It’s not my fault.If it is, own up to it. Your boss knows you’re human and may make mistakes. If you’re being punished for something you didn’t do, tell the boss - but if they know you’re not at fault and are simply asking you to fix something, then you’re better off doing so. If they chose you, that might just be a recognition of your eye for detail or problem-solving ability.4. I never got around to it (or didn’t have time for it).When you’re given an assignment and a deadline, it needs to be completed - that’s your job. If other responsibilities are preventing you from finishing it, let the boss know what else you're working on. Find out if anything else can wait and if any tasks can be shifted to other employees.5. That’s not in my job description.Unless it’s something totally unrelated to your workplace, refusing to do a task says that you’re inflexible and not a team player. In addition to affecting you at performance review time, this attitude can prevent you from being chosen for other opportunities.6. I need a raise.Nothing can be more aggravating to a manager than hearing this without justification, and chances are they feel the same way about themselves. If you truly feel this way, you'll need to tell them why. There is an art to asking for a raise, and plenty of tips out there to help you make your case in a professional way.7. I’m bored.Maybe so, but this isn't the word to use. Use down time between daily tasks to develop more efficient processes, and offer to help co-workers or cross-train in other departments. Let the boss know you’re willing to pitch in with whatever they need and are always ready to learn something new. If none of this works, you may eventually want to seek employment elsewhere.8. I can’t work with so and so.Yes, you can. You’re at work, not grade school, and you must learn to peacefully co-exist with those who have different approaches and personalities. If another person’s behavior is truly objectionable to you and others, bring it to the manager’s attention, but don’t make idle complaints without attempting to get along with a difficult person.9. It’s always been done this way.Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn't mean it has to be that way forever. If the boss suggests that a change be made, it’s probably for a reason, so be open to it. Even better, voice your own ideas for improvement - a good boss will love that.10. Sighs and other actions that speak louder than words.You may be unhappy with the boss on occasion, but obvious disapproval and childish behavior is no way to show it.The best way to work with your boss is to be open to their ideas, show initiative with your own and if you’re truly dissatisfied with something, bring it up but think it through carefully before asking to meet with them. Say what you’d like to discuss and why, speak calmly and always back up what you have to say with facts and evidence. And, above all, always be professional.
