For most people, going to work…
… it also means spending the whole day with your colleagues!
If you spend a lot of time at the office, you know that getting along with them is essential to your well-being.
But it's not always easy, and daily living together can sometimes lead to stress...and even tension!
Yes, if you don't want to alienate your colleagues, there are certain things you really should avoid telling them.
Here are the 12 things you should NEVER say again at work (and what to say instead) ! Watch:
Our workplace can become a real powder keg, with stressful and complicated relationships between colleagues. One of the ways to make your working days more pleasant is to know what not to say.
WHY NOT SAY IT:
We have all heard this expression before. And it's true that when you have to juggle several projects at the same time, you don't want to get involved in things that are not our responsibility. But when you say "it's not my problem", your colleagues may think that you are only thinking about yourself, and that you are not a team player.
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD:
"I advise you to speak to…" (and add the name of the appropriate person)
WHY NOT SAY IT:
Many people don't like change. Although it is important to have experience, it is not a reason to resist change. By saying this sentence, you appear to be a rigid person, and your colleagues will think that improving things does not really interest you.
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD:
Here's another much more constructive way of saying it:
"Could you explain to me how this makes things better?"
WHY NOT SAY IT:
Sometimes it really feels like there's nothing more you can do to try to solve a problem, especially when you've tried everything. But instead of seeing the situation as a dead end, have a positive attitude and show good will. This will help you achieve your goals more easily.
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD:
"I'm having a little trouble getting out of this problem. Can you help me find a solution?"
WHY NOT SAY IT:
In the office, few things can be done in less than a minute. If we say that often, it is because we are trying to reassure a demanding colleague. The problem is that working in a rush is neither efficient nor pleasant.
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD:
"I'll get back to you during the day."
WHY NOT SAY IT:
Do not immediately dismiss words that lack clarity. Maybe it's because you don't have it all figured out. Before jumping to conclusions too quickly, try to understand the idea that your colleague is trying to communicate.
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD:
"I'm not sure I understood everything. Can you explain to me why this solution is better than the others?"
WHY NOT SAY IT:
Be careful with this little sentence, because in terms of propriety at work, it is frankly "borderline". In addition, it tends to escape our lips before we realize it! To avoid upsetting your colleagues, try a more diplomatic approach.
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD:
"I don't really agree on this point, and here's why… What do you think?"
WHY NOT SAY IT:
No matter how much we say it, we rarely think it. If the "sorry" is followed by an explanation, it negates the notion of regret on your part. Remember, when you apologize, you admit you're wrong.
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD:
"I'm sorry for doing such and such a thing... Next time, I'll do it like this..."
WHY NOT SAY IT:
Miscommunication can quickly lead to misunderstandings. Also, do not try to justify yourself at all costs. Next time, consider asking for a clear explanation of what is expected of you before you get to work.
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD:
"Could you clarify what you really want from me?"
WHY NOT SAY IT:
As children, we are taught that the most important thing is to do your best. But when you do your best and it's not enough, you have to know how to learn from your mistakes in order to improve.
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD:
"What can I do better for next time?"
WHY NOT SAY IT:
Pointing out a colleague's mistakes is easy to do. But blaming someone like that is definitely not the best way to communicate. Instead, try a more constructive approach.
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD:
"Looks like it didn't go well. Here's what I suggest you do next time..."
WHY NOT SAY IT:
This sentence shows that you lack self-confidence, and that you are afraid that your colleagues will reject your ideas. Instead of kicking ass, share your ideas with your colleagues.
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD:
"Here's an idea that might be interesting..."
WHY NOT SAY IT:
There will never be enough hours in a day. And managing the various emergencies is never easy. But don't try to justify being late. Better to have a proactive attitude and rather indicate when the task will be finished.
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD:
"I will be able to complete this task by..."
Do you regret something you said to a colleague? Don't panic, here's how to be forgiven in 3 steps:
1. Apologize
Be sincere and apologize for causing harm or frustration.
2. Clearly explain what you regret
Recognize your mistakes by pointing out what you regret saying.
3. Say what you really meant
State clearly what you really wanted to say or do.
Now you know the things not to say at work. You will be able to communicate more easily with your colleagues, without ever saying things you might regret!
