Most employees have, at one time or another, dreamed of telling their boss off or telling their manager that they just don’t feel like doing some or all of the job. However, acting on this impulse rarely yields any positive results and can produce lasting damage to your relationship with your supervisor. It can also jeopardize your job.
Your boss is, after all, the person who has the authority to tell you what to do even when you don’t like it very much. Even if you hate your boss or hate your job, it’s not a good idea to push back too hard.
In addition, future employers will have great interest in how your past supervisors perceived your attitude and productivity. Keep in mind that there are a lot of things that reference checkers can ask about you, and you don’t want to get a bad report because you were insubordinate or otherwise offended your manager.
Here are some tips to help you to avoid saying anything to your boss that will come back to haunt you.
Top 10 Things Never to Say to Your Boss
“I will get to that later” when your boss has asked you to complete a task immediately. You may disagree with your supervisor about your work priorities but do not summarily dismiss your boss’s sense of urgency. It is appropriate to explain your current activities and their impact. However, once you have done that, you need to submit to the preferences of your boss with a positive attitude.
“Whatever” when asked by your supervisor for your take on an assignment. Provide your honest perspective and indicate your willingness to do whatever she thinks is necessary to move the team forward. Apathy is never rewarded in the workplace.
“I need a raise” or “I deserve a raise” without a well-articulated rationale. Your reasons for a raise need to be clear and stated in terms of the value you have added to the organization. The focus should not be on any personal needs. Before you ask, check out these tips for how to ask for a raise.
We can also communicate the wrong messages with our nonverbal behaviors. Make sure you don’t convey “you’re crazy” or “you’re kidding me” by raising your eyebrows, frowning or laughing when given a directive.
“Why don’t you have Jane work on that task” when you are assigned work. A better approach might be to ask if you could receive some help from Jane, given her knowledge or expertise.
“You had better, or I… “. Never issue or imply an ultimatum to your boss. Even if your supervisor acquiesces to your demand, she will not forget that you bullied her. Simply state what you want or need and why it makes sense without mentioning any consequences.
“No, no way, I don’t think so” or any refusal to do what you are asked, as long as what is being asked is job related. Insubordination, no matter how valuable you may be to your employer, can jeopardize your position.
“I wouldn’t have done it that way” or any criticism of your supervisor’s strategy or management style. If asked for feedback, mention positives and possible alternatives without disparaging any of her actions.
“We have always done it this way” when asked to try a new approach. There is no quicker way to be labeled as a dinosaur than to cling rigidly to past practices. If you believe that the traditional way of doing things has advantages, you can point out those benefits while exploring the viability of alternative approaches.
“I have been here longer” when a colleague receives a promotion or favorable assignment. Justifications for promotions or assignments should be based on productivity and expertise unless governed by union rules.
Related Articles: Top 20 Things to Do if You Lose Your Job | 5 Things Never to Talk to HR About | What Your Boss Says (and What She Really Means) | What Your Co-Worker’s Say (and What They Really Mean)
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