7 Phrases to Avoid Using at Work
Work can be stressful at times, and when things become stressful, it can become heated. But even when operations are smooth and completely stress-free, there are still some phrases that you should avoid using in the workplace, for more than one reason. Here's what you should refrain from saying at work to maintain the utmost professionalism:
1. "This may be a silly idea but..."
No idea is silly. You each bring something different to the table and so no idea is off the table. If someone is making you feel as though your ideas are silly, then you should rethink your career prospects and make a move towards a company that values you and your thought processes.
2. "Sorry"
There's often a reason as to why you're doing something, and it can, nine times out of ten, be justified. However, if there is an instance where you need to say "sorry", do so in a more professional manner. Use "I apologise for", or "please accept my apologies", for instance.
3. "I feel like..."
Be certain and confident about what you're saying, you're thinking and any ideas you have. By using "I feel like", you're already planting doubt into your own mind that someone will think that what you have to say is irrelevant or that your ideas are rubbish. That's just not the case. Be certain and confident about what you're saying, no matter what that might be.
4. "If that makes sense"
While this might seem like a good phrase to use, it can be taken in two ways: one - you're not very good at explaining things, and you know it, two - the person you're explaining it to isn't very clever and probably won't understand it. Avoid the confusion and prevent any misunderstandings by refraining from using the phrase in the first place.
5. "We've always done it this way"
No business ever became successful from following the same rules, processes and protocols that they've used forty years ago. It doesn't matter that you've been doing it like that for donkey's years. You should be evolving with the times, becoming more advanced and on-trend as time goes on.
Don't keep doing what you've always done because you won't learn anything from that. If someone has a new idea, take it on board and don't respond with "we've always done it this way", because that's just not good enough, especially when you have young or new blood giving you some modern ideas.
6. "I told you so"
Gloating isn't something you want to do in the workplace. It's not friendly or professional, so just don't say it. If someone got something wrong, and you knew it would pan out that way, let them think on their own mistake and make sure they learn from it. It doesn't help anyone by gloating.
7. "That's actually a good idea"
By saying "actually", it implies that you've heard the idea, initially thought it was rubbish, but then thought about it again and then thought "well yeah, actually, it's a good idea". It implies that you rubbished the idea from the outset, therefore having a closed mind.
If you aren't sure about an idea and want to think on it more, say "thanks for the idea, I'll look into that". Don't imply that you thought the idea was bad from the start, because you'll just end up rubbing people up the wrong way.
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I hope you enjoyed this blog post and that you found it useful? Let me know in the comments below which phrases you'll always avoid using at work and I will see you again very soon with some brand new content!
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