Phrases to avoid when conversing with the boss
What words must never be spoken to the boss? Here is a list of 7 phrases never to be uttered in front of the boss.
- Are you sure you want to do that?
A question like this, as well as alluding to the fact that the boss might not know exactly what he is doing, may also give the impression that you want to teach your superior something. Instead of posing such a question, it is better to ask your boss if he is sure that, in his haste, he hasn’t forgotten anything important.
-  Did you notice what that colleague did? I don’t want anything more to do with him.
Phrases like these are viewed very negatively by the boss, because in his eyes they are just pointless gossip. It is always better to avoid superfluous complaints in the presence of the boss, providing that other people’s actions won’t damage the company.
- Once I realised that the situation would resolve itself, I preferred not to disturb you.
Saying this kind of thing to the boss means you are warning him too late about a problem that he probably would have liked to have been informed of before it got to that stage. Instead of waiting for situations to resolve themselves, it is better to warn the boss in order to let him decide how to proceed.
- If you don’t do this, I will abandon the project.
You should never in any circumstances give the boss of your company an ultimatum, because he could suddenly decide that the person threatening him is not as irreplaceable as he thinks he is.
- Those of my generation do things differently.
Reminding the boss that he has reached a certain age is in most cases irritating and annoying. The best thing to do is to focus on the concept of generation only if the boss specifically asks the opinion of a younger member of staff.
- This thing is not possible.
A person who does not offer their help to the boss to get a task done will certainly be taken a dim view of. Instead of refusing the manager’s request by replying that the task is impossible, try to find a way to keep him happy as soon as possible.
- I need a raise.
You can ask for a raise if you have never had one in the past, if great results have been achieved or if for some reason you really deserve it, but you should certainly not ask just because you need one.
These are the 7 things you should never say to the boss: phrases which are best avoided if you want to make a good impression.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
