AND, you need to learn that there are specific words and phrases that are certain to cause damage. If you want to maximize your success as you climb the career ladder and avoid slipping, here are Price’s top 6 phrases to stop using in the workplace. 1. AVOID: I cant do that or Thats impossible or That cant be done. Even though you may feel this way on the inside, these negative phrases are perceived by others as pessimistic, unconstructive, and even stubborn. Your boss, peers , and customers most likely want to hear what CAN be done. Instead say, Ill be glad to check on that for you or What I can do is … or Because of company policy, what I CAN do is …. 2. AVOID: You should have … or You could have … or You ought to have …” The words should, could, and ought imply blame, finger-pointing, and fault. Theres no quicker way to upset a boss, colleague, or customer than to suggest that he or she is guilty of something (even if it’s true). Instead, take a collaborative approach. Please help me understand why … or Next time, may we adopt an alternative approach … or I understand your challenges; lets resolve this together …. 3. AVOID: Thats not my job or I dont get paid enough for this or Thats not my problem. If youre asked to do something by your boss, a coworker, or a customer, its because its important to that person. Therefore, as a team player, goal number one is to figure out how to help the person get it accomplished. Even if its not in your job description, saying so displays a career-limiting bad attitude. For example, if your boss lays an unreasonable request on you, reply by saying, Ill be glad to help you accomplish that. Given my current tasks of A, B, and C, which one of these would you like to place on the back burner while I work on this new assignment? This clearly communicates priority, reminds the boss of your current workload, and subtly implies realistic expectations. 4. AVOID: I may be wrong, but … or “This may be a dumb question, but … or Im not sure about this, but … or This may be a silly idea, but … Eliminate any prefacing phrase that demeans or negates what youre about the say. Instead, get rid of the self-deprecating phrase, drop the “but,” and make your comment. 5. AVOID: Ill try. Imagine your boss says to you, I need your proposal by 10 a.m. tomorrow for a customer meeting. Your reply is, OK. Ill try to get it finished. The word implies the possibility it may not get finished. It presupposes possible failure. I say, Ill get it finished or Ill have it on your desk by 9 a.m. 6. AVOID: I think … Which of these two statements do you find to be more effective? I think you might like this new solution we offer or I believe (or Im confident) youre going to like this new solution we offer. The difference in wording is fairly subtle. However, the message communicated to your customer can be profound. Reread each sentence. The first one contains two weak words, think and might. These words make you sound unsure or insecure about the message and subtly undermine your credibility. Notice how the second sentence is confident and strong. Replace the word think with believe and strike the tentative might. Thats a statement from someone who believes in what he or she is saying.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 09:23:27 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015