The 10 Worst Things Bosses (And Employees) Can Say | Swordpress Nigeria

The 10 Worst Things Bosses (And Employees) Can Say
It’s a conflict that has existed since the beginning of time: the
tug of war between leaders and followers. In the workplace we call
them employers and employees, respectively.

Sadly, some employers feel they have the right (or even the
need) to behave badly in the workplace, hurting and demoralizing
the very people whose best thinking and assistance they need.
Employees aren’t off the hook, either—many of the things that
escape their lips in a moment of frustration damage their value to
the company and their own career growth over time.

At our company, when things get heated we try to put some time
between the stimulus and the response. This gives us a chance to
reflect on the issue rather than lashing out at people. It also
helps us preserve and strengthen relationships as we learn and do
better work together.

We’ve compiled a top 10 list of the most offensive things
employers can say to their employees, and vice versa. The next time
you feel a desire to say any of these things, pause for a moment
and come up with something more productive. Let’s face it, we all
say dumb things from time to time. It doesn’t mean the game is
over. Learn from your mistakes and commit yourself to doing
better.

Top 10 Things Employers Should Never Say to Their Employees

1. You’re fortunate we gave you a job. Few companies would have
the patience and time to invest in you. Don’t make your employees
feel like burdens. Encourage them to be better, but don’t condemn
them for their shortcomings.

2. You look really good for your age. Beyond the legal issues
this brings up of ageism, it’s in very bad taste to give such a
backhanded compliment.

3. If you don’t like this job, there are plenty of other
candidates standing in line. You’re lucky to be employed. This is a
morale killer. If an employee feels like their job is in peril,
they’ll be far more distracted at work and will likely start
looking for a job elsewhere.
4. Don’t you know that I am working on really important things for
the company? I don’t have time for this. Make time for your
employees. If you can’t squeeze in time at the moment, tell them
when they can come back and then keep the appointment.

5. I keep hearing around the office that people have concerns
about you. I don’t have details or specific names, but you should
address those concerns immediately. You shouldn’t confront people
with nothing but hearsay. Ask questions and show genuine concern
and avoid being judgmental.

6. I don’t know what it is that you need to improve, but
something is definitely wrong and you should work on fixing it.
That’s a great way to give someone an inferiority complex. But I
would suggest you be specific and respectful in your assessment of
people.

7. Is that really the best you can do? Condescending and
insulting; that’s a bad combination. Show people how to do a better
job in the future and make your expectations clear from the
start.

8. I don’t have time to give you a feedback review. You’re doing
fine. When you’re not, I’ll tell you. How can people improve if you
don’t give them feedback? Again, make time to tell them
specifically what you like and what they can work on.

9. No one else seems to have had a problem figuring this out.
Don’t unfairly compare or judge your employees. Give them clear
instructions and patiently help them if they struggle.

10. It’s not personal; it’s just business. We are personal
beings. Our first inclination is to take things personally. Show
respect and kindness, especially when offering unfavorable reviews
or other criticisms.

Top 10 Things Employees Should Never Say to Their Employers

Turnabout is fair play. In that spirit, here are 10 things that
employees should never say to their employers.

1. Sigh (accompanied by rolling eyes, looking away, and
disengaging. It’s what you didn’t say that is saying it all). This
isn’t likely to start a healthy dialogue. Don’t act exasperated or
speak in vague terms. Talk about the issue; don’t expect people to
instantly know what you’re talking about.

2. You’ll probably need to retire soon from too much stress and
work. I need to know who will take care of me if it doesn’t pan out
well for you. So much wrong in so few words. Don’t bring up
people’s retirement and especially don’t talk about it in a
self-serving way.

3. Just get out of my way and I’ll get it done. Don’t you have
some VIP dinner or something else to do? You don’t want to be
confrontational. Even if you get the job done in a timely manner,
you’ll likely have seriously damaged a relationship in the
process.

4. I’m having a hard time believing in what the company builds
and I don’t get at all what we do. It’s okay to voice concerns, but
try to word them in a constructive way. Ask for help in
understanding what the company does rather than expressing
frustration at a lack of knowledge.

5. That’s not part of my job description. Don’t be rigid. Be
flexible and willing to help anywhere you can. This is how you form
new relationships, learn new skills, and do other positive
things.

6. I’m really bored. Prepare to be deluged with busywork if you
ever say this.

7. I’m just doing it the way you told me to do it. This implies
it’s not your problem and not your fault that it didn’t work. If
you notice a problem, say something and fix it before it becomes a
serious issue.

8. I have data that shows I’m worth XXX just for showing up in
the morning. Showing up to work is important, but doing the work
that produces the needed outcome and revenue (and having a positive
and accountable attitude) is what really matters most to your
boss.

9. I’m leaving on vacation and I won’t be coming back. If you’d
like to have two weeks’ notice, it’ll have to wait until after
vacation. Two weeks’ notice implies you’ll be on the job for those
two weeks to help smooth out a transition. This is just burning
bridges. How is this boss likely to respond when they’re called for
background check or a reference some day? It will happen.

10. It really bothers me when you bring up customer complaints.
Don’t you realize that all customers complain? Instead of
complaining about customers’ complaints, perhaps you should try to
get to the heart of why customers are dissatisfied in the first
place.

Communication is great and it needs to take place in order for
employers and employees to work well together. But it must be
tempered by wisdom and prudence. Reckless responses should be
checked by careful consideration of people’s feelings and how your
words and actions will affect your relationships. How many of these
statements have you said? How many have you heard? I look forward
to hearing from you.

Additional reporting for this article was provided by Mary
Michelle Scott, Fishbowl President. David Williams’ book, The 7
Non-Negotiables of Winning, is available from Amazon.
I am the founder and chairman of DKW Ventures. I am a serial
entrepreneur, have led divisions and companies and a C-level
executive for companies ranging from startups to multi-nationals. I
am a consultant to C-level executives throughout the world, from
South Africa to Amer

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