As much as we’d like to deny it, we spend more time at work than any other place. The best work places are those where you can speak freely, communication is transparent and everyone is happy in their roles.
But there are times when it’s best to bite your tongue and say nothing at all.
Fellow workers, here are 5 phrases you should STOP using at work!
While cursing among colleagues may be accepted at some workplaces, we don’t think it’s ever a great idea to swear in front of your boss or your clients. Violent/angry cursing reflects on your personality and work style. Management might consider you a “loose cannon” and hesitate to put you in front of important clients.
Office politics can be devastating. While you may be involved in closed-door meetings with colleagues or managers, don’t say anything in private at work that you wouldn’t want said in public at work. No matter how you think you can manage secrets, words often have a way of getting around. Be prudent about what you share and whom you share it with. Watching your words is an important part of your workday life.
Offering this phrase to a supervisor will communicate two things: 1. You are not a team player and 2. You tend to blame others rather than create solutions.
Next time your boss asks you to take a ferry down to a client’s place in Pulau Bukom to attend a meeting try this line instead: “I don’t usually handle that, but I’d be happy to look into it.”
Prefacing comments or suggestions with discounting phrases such as “I may be wrong, but…” or “This may be a silly idea, but…” diminishes the impact of what you’re about to say. Instead of sounding authoritative and confident, you’re reducing your credibility and your opinion’s value.
Imagine it’s the day before an important meeting and you need a report. “Eh Ahmad, can give me the numbers before 5 pm today?” Ahmad nonchalantly looks up at you and replies “I’ll try.”
Infuriating, no? Just those 2 simple words implies the possibility of failure. Say no to rushed deadlines. Support your poor colleagues giving an honest answer or coming to a reasonable compromise.
When in doubt, professionalism should always apply. Always remember the saying, “It is better to be thought silent and ignorant then to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.” Your words and actions reflect your competence, reliability, and dedication.
