What you say at work and how you say it speaks volumes about your commitment to the job. If you value your corporate image and believe in good impressions, which you should, then avoid the following phrases when at work.
It’s not my fault
This is especially true if you have been working in a team. Though it may be instinct to protect yourself first, keep in mind that you are in a team and not being looked at as an individual. Your colleagues might try to avoid working with you in future because you throw them under the bus to protect yourself. If someone has not pulled their weight, talk to them personally and let them know instead of only speaking up when the boss is around.
I don’t get paid to do that
This statement has a negative tone to it and speaks to the attitude of the person who uses it. If you sincerely do not have the time to do the task, politely explain to your boss that you are heavily consumed by other duties and will not be able to start on this one for a while. Otherwise, you can recommend someone whom you believe would be better skilled or suited to complete the task. Richard Branson lives by the saying “Screw it, let’s do it”, and believes that you can learn so much more by just saying yes.
I hate this job
We all get stressed out by our jobs from time to time and the people we work with can seriously get on our last nerves, but if you ever have to complain or moan about work rather do it outside of the work environment or to a friend who doesn’t work in the same company. You can’t trust everybody and you never know who could use such information against you. For all you know, your boss might overhear you moaning and pass you over for a job promotion.
Yeah, I’ll try
If you are asked to do something, it is either you will do it or you won’t, and this is how you should respond when taking on the challenge. Always be confident in your speech and never plant a seed of doubt in your boss’ mind about your abilities. After saying I will do it, give it your all and present the finished result as if it was a breeze to complete.
I hate our boss
In any field, it is better to befriend your boss and be in their good books because they have the potential to transform your career and expose you to opportunities that you would not know of otherwise. If you have a problem with the leadership style of your boss or with something that they have done, you would much rather talk to them than express feelings of hate when you haven’t made an effort to hear them out first.
