Navigating the office environment can sometimes be like walking on a tightrope. One wrong word here or there, and you might find yourself plummeting in your colleagues’ esteem.
The key to being well-liked at work isn’t about being the most outgoing or charismatic person in the room, but rather, it’s about how you communicate.
And there are certain phrases that can unknowingly put a dent in your professional relationships.
Yes, that’s right! If you want to keep your work relationships smooth and become a well-liked colleague, it’s time to bid adieu to these 10 phrases.
Let’s dive in!
1) “That’s not my job.”
Let’s kick off with a phrase that can instantly create a rift in your professional relationships – “That’s not my job”.
In a workspace, cooperation and teamwork are highly valued. And when you utter the phrase, “That’s not my job,” it immediately gives off an impression of non-cooperation and lack of willingness to go the extra mile for the team.
Sure, there will be tasks outside your job description, and that’s okay.
Instead of outright refusing, a more well-liked response could be, “I’m currently swamped with some other tasks, but I’d be happy to help once I’m done,” or perhaps you could suggest someone who might be better suited for the task.
2) “Let’s circle back on that.”
A phrase so commonly used in meetings and emails, it has become almost a reflex for many.
However, what many don’t realize is just how much it irks their colleagues. In a survey conducted by Preply, “circle back” took the top spot as the most annoying piece of corporate jargon.
It’s often perceived as a polite dismissal, a way to defer a topic without committing to a specific time or action, which can leave team members feeling frustrated and undervalued.
Instead of vaguely suggesting to “circle back” on an issue, it’s more constructive to set a clear timeline or next step.
Try saying, “Can we set a specific time to revisit this?” or “I’ll gather more information and update you by next Monday.”
These alternatives show that you respect your colleagues’ input and are committed to follow-through, enhancing clarity and trust within your team.
3) “I don’t have time for this.”
This is one of those phrases that I’ve learned from personal experience can rub people the wrong way.
I remember being in a team meeting where we were discussing a new project. One of my colleagues, let’s call him John, was hesitant about a particular aspect of the project.
He was voicing his concerns when another colleague, Susan, abruptly cut him off saying, “I don’t have time for this.”
The room fell silent. It wasn’t just what Susan said, but how she said it. It came off as dismissive and disrespectful. After that day, the team’s dynamic changed and Susan’s relationship with many of us took a hit.
If you’re pressed for time, there are much kinder ways to communicate this.
Try something like, “Can we revisit this later? I need to focus on finishing up another task right now.”
This maintains respect while effectively communicating your current time constraints.
4) “I told you so.”
We’ve all experienced that moment of satisfaction when we’re proven right in a situation.
However, uttering the words “I told you so” to a colleague can be more damaging than you might think.
Instead, consider offering your support or discussing how to avoid the situation in the future.
After all, everyone makes mistakes, and fostering a supportive environment is key to being well-liked in the workplace.
5) “You’re too sensitive.”
Ever been on the receiving end of this phrase at work?
If so, you’re not alone. This particular statement was voted the worst passive-aggressive phrase in a survey of over 1,200 Americans.
When someone says, “You’re too sensitive,” it effectively dismisses the individual’s feelings and perspectives, making it seem as though their reaction is unwarranted or exaggerated.
This can deeply impact professional relationships by creating an environment where individuals feel devalued and hesitant to express their concerns.
A more supportive approach would be to acknowledge and respect each other’s feelings. Consider responding with, “I see this really matters to you—let’s go over what happened,” to foster an open and inclusive dialogue.
6) “It’s always been done this way.”
Innovation and progress are the lifeblood of any successful business. And one of the biggest roadblocks to innovation is the phrase, “It’s always been done this way.”
When you use this phrase, it can come across as you being resistant to change or new ideas. It might make your colleagues feel unheard or that their suggestions are undervalued.
Instead, if you have concerns about a new proposal, voice them constructively. Use phrases like, “I see where you’re coming from. Can we also consider…?”
The goal here is to foster a culture of open communication and mutual respect.
7) “It’s not my fault.”
This is a big one. Responsibility and accountability are key traits in any professional setting.
Constantly shifting the blame onto others with the phrase, “It’s not my fault”, can quickly tarnish your image among your colleagues.
This phrase can make you appear as someone who avoids taking responsibility for their actions. It can also create an environment of blame and mistrust within your team.
When things go awry, focus on finding a solution rather than assigning blame.
Saying something like, “Let’s see how we can fix this” not only demonstrates leadership but also contributes to a more positive and collaborative work culture.
8) “You always…” or “You never…”
Using absolutes like “always” or “never” when addressing a colleague’s behavior can feel accusatory and unfair.
It’s easy to fall into this pattern when emotions run high, but it can cause unnecessary tension and resentment.
For example, telling a colleague, “You never listen to my ideas,” can make them defensive and less likely to engage in constructive dialogue.
It’s also rarely accurate. People are complex and their behaviors can change and evolve.
A more compassionate approach would be to express how their actions make you feel, without labeling them. You could say, “I felt overlooked in today’s meeting when my idea was dismissed. Can we discuss this?”
9) “I guess so.”
When you respond with “I guess so,” it might seem like you’re not fully confident in your own decisions or opinions. This can lead to others questioning your capability or doubting your commitments.
Instead, if you’re unsure about something, it’s better to be honest about it. Try saying something like, “I’m not entirely sure, let me look into that and get back to you.”
This shows that you’re committed to finding the right answer and are not afraid to admit when you don’t know something.
10) “Whatever.”
“Whatever” is quite possibly one of the most detrimental phrases you can use in the workplace. It’s dismissive, nonchalant, and can convey a lack of care or interest in what’s being discussed.
Using “whatever” in response to a colleague’s suggestion or feedback can severely damage your professional relationships. It suggests that you don’t value their input or the topic at hand.
In place of “whatever,” take the time to articulate your thoughts or feelings about the matter.
Even a simple, “I understand where you’re coming from, let’s discuss this further,” can make a world of difference in maintaining respect and positive relations with your colleagues.
Words matter: The power of language
The weight of our words is often underestimated, yet they hold immense power. They can foster connections, create distance, build trust, or foster skepticism.
In a professional setting, every phrase we use can either strengthen or undermine our relationships with colleagues. The way we communicate not only reflects our own character but also shapes the environment we work in.
The phrases listed above may be commonplace, but their impact on how others perceive us can be significant.
So next time you’re about to utter one of these phrases, pause for a moment. Consider the impact of your words and choose those that foster mutual respect and understanding.
