One of the best ways to ensure your day-to-day work life is pleasant and your career remains on an upward trajectory is to get -- and stay -- on your boss' good side. It sounds like a simple thing to do, but you'd be surprised at the number of employees who can't seem to get it right.
The problem often is that they're unwittingly saying and doing things that communicate to the boss that they're incompetent, uncooperative or immature -- qualities no boss likes in an employee.
Don't want to be that employee? Then steer clear of saying these things that are sure to put any boss in a bad mood.
"It's not my fault." Even if it's not, saying
so just makes you sound like a 6 year old. Adults take responsibility, and then
take action to make things right. Bosses want employees that are always part of
the solution -- especially after they've been part of the
problem.
"It's not my job." Your responsibilities aren't
limited to those specifically stated in your job description. If the boss is
asking you about something that needs to be done then it's your job. When you
say otherwise to his face you sound childish, disrespectful and
uncooperative.
"There must have been some
miscommunication." "Because all businesses are so competitive these days, bosses
cannot afford to have employees costing the company a big client or critical
contract because of their poor communications," says Anita Bruzzese author of "45 Things You Do That Drive Your Boss Crazy -- And How to Avoid
Them." Different bosses have different informational needs, so find
out what your bosses are and then be sure to meet them. "Being a good
communicator is critical for the success of a company, a boss -- and an
employee's career."
"I'm so hung-over." This isn't something to
brag about and admitting to heavy drinking on a work night shows the boss you
aren't taking your job as seriously as you could. It also makes her wonder if
you're prone to making bad decisions in other aspects of your life and
work.
"I can't stand Steve." This doesn't just apply
to Steve, but to all of your coworkers. "Bosses get really annoyed when they
have to take time from important tasks to break up spats between co-workers and
they don't want to get human resources involved when two workers can't solve
their differences in a professional way," says Bruzzese. "They want workers to
be respectful of one another and act like adults,
period."
"I'm too sick to work." This is fine if it's
true, especially if you can't do your job from home and are contagious, but if
it's a lie and your boss finds out you could be in big trouble. The chances of
getting caught have increased greatly with the proliferation of social media. It
only takes one stray Facebook update, Foursquare check-in or Twitter tweet to
show the boss -- or a big-mouthed co-worker -- what you're really up
to.
Too much or too little. "Employees may have
never bothered to ask how or when the boss wants to be communicated with, so
they may sit on critical information the boss needs or bug him or her endlessly
with trivial stuff," says Bruzzese.
Whines and gripes. "Since the Great Recession,
employees have been asked to do more with less and many have fallen into the
habit of chronic whining about their situation," says Bruzzese. With everyone in
the same boat and companies still at risk, that complaining really stands out to
bosses who are also plenty tired themselves. You want to spend your time coming
up with solutions to problems, she says. "Remember, there are still about three
people for every job opening -- the boss may not have any trouble filling your
shoes."
"I need a raise." It's not your boss'
responsibility to fulfil your need to pay your credit card bills, go on vacation
or eat out more. She should pay you fairly for the work you're doing, though. If
you think you deserve a raise, approach her with concrete evidence that you've
earned a salary increase and make it a two-way conversation -- not a
confrontational demand.
"I'll quit if ..." Never threaten to quit
unless you're prepared to follow through if the boss calls your bluff. If he
does and you don't, you'll definitely lose his respect -- and possibly your
job.
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