The words you choose carry weight in the workplace.
9 sentences that can damage your reputation
(and what to say instead)
1. That's not my problem
↳ Displays a lack of teamwork and shared responsibility. ↳ Use: "Let's figure out how we can solve this together."
2. I don't have time for this
↳ Can be perceived as dismissive and disrespectful.
↳ Use: "I'm focused on X, but I can address this later."
3. You're wrong
↳ Directly confrontational and can trigger defensiveness.
↳ Use: "Perhaps we could look at it from another angle…"
4. I assumed
↳ Implies a lack of due diligence.
↳ Use: "To clarify, I'll confirm X."
5. I can't
↳ Sounds negative and inflexible, closing off possibilities.
↳ Use: "Let me see what resources I can find."
6. That's impossible
↳ Shuts down potential solutions and creative thinking.
↳ Use: "What if we tried X alternative approach?"
7. Don't tell anyone, but...
↳ Undermines trust and fosters gossip.
↳ If it's confidential, keep it to yourself. If not, state it directly.
8. That's above my pay grade.
↳ Implies an unwillingness to learn or stretch your role.
↳ Use: "I'm interested in learning more about that."
9. I'm not going to argue with you
↳ Stifles productive dialogue and problem-solving.
↳ Use: "Let's try to find common ground."
Which one did I miss?