What Not to Say at Work (or maybe anyplace else)
Thursday, February 26, 2009 8:23 | Filled in Uncategorized
CNN Career Builder recently posted a list of “Worst Things to Say at Work.” Among them the infamous, “that’s not my job.” So what’s on your list of words and phrases not to be uttered in the workplace? Here are a few I would include:
- Vulgarity. Whether listeners find it offensive or not, most will acknowledge that over time frequent use diminishes their respect for the speaker.
- Endearments. Honey, sweetie, etc. Unless you work with your significant other, avoid terms of endearment when addressing your co-workers (or customers).
- Endless Complaints. “No one else works as hard as I do. How can I be expected to accomplish all this? The boss is a moron.” We all need to vent and complain from time to time, but it’s draining to be around someone who complains ad nauseam.
- Self-aggrandizing. “I own, I have, I earned, I accomplished.” It’s appropriate to take credit for your professional accomplishments, but co-workers will not be suitably impressed if your conversation continually centers around a litany of self-congratulations.
Those top my list of things better left unsaid, any others top yours?
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LeAnne says:
February 26th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Although I am happy to have a job in today’s economy, how about “Here’s a pile of extra work for you, consider it job security!” Ugh!