Things You Should Never Say to Your Boss

Think before you speak!

Difficult bosses vary in personality from being somewhat controlling and aggressive to being straight up abusive. The way employees handle their difficult bosses may determine their position in the company as well as their long term career success. Understanding your boss can be the difference between keeping your job and finding yourself out in the cold. We often say things to our boss that we know we will have second thoughts about on that long way back to our cubicle. That shouldn’t always be the case; Akhtabootpresents you with a number of things you should never say to your boss to help you stay on his good side. 

I Want a Raise 

This statement might sound too much like a threat, and of course you should never threaten your boss. The best time to ask for a raise is during your annual review. And when the time comes, be ready to tell your boss how valuable you are to the company or organization. In fact, give her a list of all the reasons why you deserve a raise; use solid proof and numbers.

It’s Not My Problem

When a problem in the business or within the team is identified even if it doesn’t fall within your direct area, using the statement “it’s not my problem” is unacceptable. Instead, you should bring about ideas and suggestions to fix the issue and put a hundred percent to it. Saying nothing at all isn’t helpful as well. Bosses expect input, information and ideas.

I Don’t Do Overtime

Professionals with an eye for where they want to end up in the next five years do not count hours. Instead they invest in themselves whenever they can. It is often in the unofficial hours that conversations and information essential to work relationships and planning occur. Therefore it is very unprofessional to say “I don’t do overtime” whether it is to your boss or any other coworker.

I Don’t Know

When your boss asks you a question you don’t know the answer for, saying “I don’t know” shouldn’t be your only answer. What you should say is, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out now”. Always be prepared for all kinds of questions that you think you might encounter with your boss or better yet, try to be one step ahead.

I Can’t Work With…

You have to be willing to work with everyone on your team, otherwise, your boss may see you have a bad attitude or you’re not a team player. When a coworker acts in a way that bothers you or makes it hard to work together, speak to the person directly. Do not involve your boss as a first resort. You may even go to the HR department for advice on such issues.

When in doubt about what to say to your boss, don’t say anything. Just try to listen more than you speak. Even if you and your boss are best of friends, your relationship should always be based on trust, two-way communication, respect and a sense of partnership towards a common goal.