Many working professionals will tell you that to get ahead in the corporate or any world there are a certain set of unspoken rules to abide by. After hearing so many of these conflicting things from people we wanted to write an article on this much debated topic. We could all do with a reminder of good work etiquette – especially since things have moved online and there is more room for misunderstandings to develop. Remember – at work – you are what you depict so appearances and words matter a lot more than you think.
Words can have immense power and sway over people, especially your colleagues and boss. After all, they don’t know you on a personal level and speaking in terms of work culture shouldn’t have to, to be able to have a healthy working relationship. However, there are a few phrases we’ve noted down that, if avoided, and replaced with positive reinforcement can do wonders for your work life.
“That’s not my job”
A classic lazy one. Many people use it without a second thought. In their head it only makes sense to do the job they are paid for and not become an errand boy…wrong! It leaves an expression of rigidity which workplaces do not need. Instead you should embrace this opportunity because you don’t know where it may lead you to. Also you are there to explore avenues and be open to new things.
“It’s Important”
Important things don’t need explanation. This one should be self explanatory but again lots of people throw this phrase around thinking it will garner importance. Sadly, many people will be using the same phrase and it just diminishes the importance of what you have to say. Something important should not need to be said it is important!
“I thought you were doing that”
This is a classical example of passive aggressive tone which you want to avoid at all costs. A bland way of asserting your authority when it doesn’t really matter who was assigned the task. You are all there to be collaborative and besides person A could have had a genuine reason to not do the task. Try to be understanding rather than reactive.
“Sorry”
Apologies are more appropriate in school, not at work. Jokes aside, this sounds like a really bad way of avoiding responsibility to stand up and explain yourself. If you’re being cut off in a meeting – don’t say sorry. If you arrive late – explain why you are late. Sorry is so overused it’s lost all its power and actual meaning.
“I’m bored”
It’s nice to express yourself once in a while – after all we’re not robots. But this phrase really does take the cake. It makes you seem lazy and inactive. Even if you are bored and rightly so, don’t admit to it! Take initiative to change the way you feel. This could really make you look like someone that others don’t pick for the team game or competition because you’d rather complain about boredom than try to be engaged in something worthwhile. Camaraderie all the way.
Conclusion
Words can either undermine you or boost your calibre at work. There are many things that are not helpful in the workplace. Practising alternatives for all these phrases will help you appear more confident, credible and trustworthy to your colleagues and seniors. Don’t jeopardize future opportunities because of a few overused phrases.