We\u2019ve talked quite a bit about improving management skills, so this time we\u2019re going to discuss employee self-management. Employees want to work in an ideal environment with great people and have no problems arise – which, honestly, can only happen in a perfect world. We can\u2019t always get along with others or get what we want 100 percent of the time, so it\u2019s only natural that we want to voice our opinions and concerns. However, approaching situations the wrong way and saying the wrong things can be damaging to your career.<\/p>\n
Megan Malugani, Monster.com contributing writer, and Charles Purdy, Monster.com senior editor, have compiled a list of nine things bosses hate to hear from their employees and give you examples of what you should say instead:<\/p>\n
1. “I need a raise.”<\/strong><\/p>\n Never enter salary negotiations talking about what you need<\/strong> \u2013 for instance, because of rising costs or a new expense. Your employer doesn’t care about your financial problems. However, management probably does want to reward success and keep high-performing employees satisfied. A raise request should always be supported by evidence of what you’ve achieved for the company \u2013 along with information about what people with your responsibilities typically earn.<\/p>\n 2. \u201cThat just isn\u2019t possible.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Always speak to your boss in terms of what can be done. For instance, rather than saying \u201cWe can\u2019t get this done by Friday,\u201d say \u201cWe could definitely get this done by Monday, or if we brought in some freelance help, we could meet the Friday deadline.\u201d When you talk to your boss, think in terms of solving problems for her, not in terms of putting problems on her plate. Complaining about a coworker’s personality usually reflects more poorly on you than on the coworker. Don\u2019t make these kinds of conflicts your boss\u2019s problem. If you\u2019re complaining about someone taking charge, for example, your boss will see that person as having initiative and you as lackluster. You might feel as though that person oversteps or dismisses your ideas, but these are things that need to be worked out between yourself and your coworker.<\/p>\n Of course, management is interested in problems that jeopardize the company’s ability to function. If you have to speak to HR about a problem, such as a colleague’s threatening, illegal or unethical behavior, keep your tone professional and the focus on work.<\/p>\n If you think this will ever be a legitimate excuse for your boss, think again! We all need to blow off a little steam every now and then, but your boss does not need – or want – to know the details. And it\u2019s no excuse for not being able to do your job. Even if you have a friendly relationship, he\u2019s just as likely to react with (unspoken) disdain as sympathy. Maintaining a solid veneer of professionalism will pay off when it’s time to discuss promotions. Alerting your boss to a problem via email doesn’t absolve you of all responsibility for it. Bosses hate the “out of my outbox, out of my mind” attitude. Keep tabs on all critical issues you know about \u2013 and keep checking in until you hear a firm “You don’t need to worry about that anymore.”<\/p>\n 6. \u201cIt\u2019s not my fault.\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n Assume responsibility and take steps to fix a problem that you did, in fact, create. And if you are being wrongly blamed for a problem, saying \u201cLet\u2019s get to the bottom of this\u201d or \u201cWhat can we do to make it right?\u201d is much more effective than saying \u201cIt\u2019s not my fault.\u201d Remember, you\u2019re a professional, not a child. If your boss asks you a question you can\u2019t answer, the correct response is not<\/strong> “I don’t know.” It’s “I’ll find out right away.” Bosses want to know you have their backs, and having a willingness to find answers is a great way to show that. \u201cI don\u2019t know\u201d gives off the impression that it\u2019s not your job to know anything about that subject, but if your boss is asking you then it’s your job to know it.
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\n3. \u201cI can\u2019t stand working with (enter name here).\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n4. \u201cI partied too hard last night \u2013 I’m so hung over!\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n
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\n5. \u201cBut I emailed you about that last week.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
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\n7. “I don’t know.\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n
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\n8. \u201cBut we’ve always done it this way.” <\/strong><\/p>\n