5 Phrases That Jeopardize Your Work Reputation

Many working professionals will tell you that to get ahead in the corporate world, there are a certain set of unspoken rules to live by.

As more workers head back to the office, it's important to understand how to conduct yourself in a professional environment. Work ethic alone will not help you succeed; the words you use matter, too.

Words can have immense power and sway over people, especially your colleagues and managers. And just as using the right words help you, using the wrong ones can jeopardize your standing. Here are a few phrases to avoid if you wish to build a strong reputation at the office.

1. "That's not my job"

A classic lazy one. Many people use it without a second thought. In their head, it only makes sense to do the job they are paid for and not become an errand boy...wrong! It leaves an expression of rigidity, which workplaces do not need. Instead, you should embrace this opportunity because you don't know where it may lead. For the vast majority of jobs, your employer hired you on the basis of flexibility and being forthcoming.

2. "It's important"

Important things don't need an explanation. This one should be self-explanatory, but lots of people throw this phrase around thinking it will help get a serious reaction. Sadly, many people will be using the same phrase, and it diminishes the importance of what you have to say. Something important should not need to be framed with a preamble.

3. "I thought you were doing that"

This is a classic example of using a passive-aggressive tone which you want to avoid at all costs. This is a bland way of asserting your authority when it doesn't really matter who was assigned the task. You are all there to be collaborative, and your colleagues could have had a genuine reason to not do the task. Try to be understanding rather than reactive.

4. "Sorry"

Apologies are more appropriate in school but ineffective at work. It can frame your answer but shouldn't be used by itself. Sorry alone sounds like a cowardly way of avoiding responsibility to explain yourself. If you're being cut off in a meeting - don't say sorry. If you arrive late - explain why you are late. Sorry is so overused that it's lost all its power and meaning.

5. "I'm bored"

It's fine to express yourself once in a while - after all, we're not robots. But even if you are bored - don't admit to it! Take the initiative to change how you feel. Admitting to boredom makes you sound like a whining pensioner with no proactive solutions to your problems. There is always something worthwhile that you can invest your energy in. If nothing else, start a work club or a department bake-off.

Conclusion

Words can either undermine you or boost your standing at work. There are many things that are not helpful in the workplace. Practicing alternatives for overused phrases will help you appear more confident, credible, and trustworthy to your colleagues and seniors. Don't jeopardize future opportunities because of these overused phrases. You would be surprised how much these micro-expressions can hold you back from your full potential at work.