Things you should never Say to your Boss

Prepared byKazi Majharul Islam

Things you should never Say to your Boss

You have to be vigilant about what comes out of your mouth in front of your boss. A slightest slip can cost you your career. There are many obvious things that one should not say to their boss; however, the key is to scrutinize every detail in your interaction with the boss. The best practice is to take pause and analyze what to say rather blurting out anything that can make you regret.

1. Never say ‘NO’

At times it is indispensable for you to say ‘no’ to your boss; however, it will be wrong if you have not phrased it well. The next time your boss is giving you an extra work on top of what is already on your plate, politely explain that you are already running other work and ask if the one the boss has added is urgent, and does he want you to work on it firstly.

2. ‘I cannot’

An employee with a ‘can-do’ attitude is always appreciated and valued. When you say, “I cannot”, it shows your lack of willingness or certainty to take chances. Both of which will not allow you to be noticed by the management.

3. “I don’t know”:

Rather saying that you do not know something and shrugging, it is best to present your best guess or promise to discover the answer. You never want to walk down the path where your boss is completing the work for you.

4. “I am sorry, but…”:

This actually conceals any genuine repentant feelings. A direct response like, “I am sorry but I will do more research on it the next time”, is a response that is anticipated when you make an error.

5. “I may leave”:

The most awful thing to do at workplace is to threaten the company that you will leave. It is not just unprofessional but they will believe you are a flight risk.

6. “Since there is no urgency, can I leave early today?”:

It is one thing to ask for early departure when you have a reason for it and it is a totally different thing when you say you are leaving because you have nothing to do or as things are slow. This is the time where you need to show initiative to the boss to take up another project or some assignment if you have nothing or less on your plate.

7. “That is so impossible”:

Saying something like this reflects your lack of conviction or negativity. Your boss is surely not going to be impressed with this rather it would be better if you mention your concerns and ask for their input.

8. “The former boss did it another way/better”:

As the new boss holds the position, he believes that his practices or methods are preferred more than their forerunners. Unless a technique is an obvious mistake, never challenge your boss with the old system of getting things done, just because those methods used to make everything simpler for you.

9. “That is not a part of my job”:

Exclaiming that some work does not come under your job description is unacceptable, as no job description has ever been engraved on stone. At work, you are expected to be flexible with tasks to help your boss with easier management. When you show less drive to go beyond what is expected of you, it demonstrates your lack of drive to achieve something for the success of the company.

10. “It is not my fault, it is XYZ’s fault”:

Blame game can be dangerous for your career. If in a situation, it is not your fault, then explain the reason why you are innocent. Never involve others when the basic responsibility of a task was yours. If you are always seen pointing fingers at others, your boss will lose his trust from you and begin wondering who the culprit is really.

Ask yourself before uttering anything, that does the question or comment reflect an upbeat, positive and confident character? Always remember the saying, ‘loose lips sink ships’. Thus, pick your words vigilantly when you feel the urge to protest if you wish to flourish in your career.

Thank YOU All