When speaking to your boss, there are certain things you should always remember. Most importantly, be respectful! In a recent U.S. News & World Report-On Careers post, Alison Green, author of the Ask a Manager blog, wrote about the top things you should never say to your boss.
Here are the five things on the list I found most offensive. Don’t say these things to your boss!
1. “I just booked plane tickets for next month.” Never book time off without clearing it with your boss, says Green. There might be a big project or event you are needed for during that time. This is a matter of respecting your boss and your coworkers. Check with your boss before you book anything, it will show them you put work first.
2. “I can’t work with Joe.” It is never a good idea to refuse to work with a colleague. You do not want to be labeled the employee that is difficult to work with. Instead, try a more neutral approach. Ask your boss if he or she has any suggestions for working with Joe. Or, try to set up a different system with Joe that will make it easier for you to work together.
3. ”I don’t know what you’d do without me.” Every company can make it without one employee. Don’t label yourself as the “know-it-all.” This will make a lot of managers want to show you that you’re wrong, says Green.
4. “My bad.” Always take responsibility for your mistakes. Employers will take your nonchalance as you saying that you don’t care. When you make a mistake, take it seriously and turn it into a learning experience. Acknowledging to your boss that you understand the seriousness of your mistake shows character.
5. “That’s not my job.” This is the worst offender to me. Part of being a good employee is being a team player. Even if it is not specifically written in your job description, it doesn’t mean you can’t help out your fellow employees. Also, those willing to go above and beyond will be recognized for that extra work. As Green says, “You want to make yourself more valuable to your employer, not less.”
To read the rest of Green’s tips, read the entire article here.
Do you have horror stories with disrespectful employees? Are there any phrases you’d like to add to the list?
