Sentences that don’t work

Preetinder Kaur 

Today the workplace is a minefield of office politics, stress and complex associations. But, the same can be made easier to deal with, if you understand the chemistry of few sentences that should not be used in workplace:

“That’s not my problem”

Almost each one of us must have come across this sentence in a work situation or used it oneself. This is a dangerous statement for anyone to make as it will make you appear self-centered and a bad team player. 

What to  use instead: Before you use the above sentence, pause and replace it with, “I recommend you to kindly talk with …… (fill the name) as he is the person dealing on such projects”. 

Here you are giving a solution, while clarifying that the current query or assignment doesn’t fall in your “jurisdiction”. 

“But we have always done it that way”

Some seniors and subordinates are scared of change and while there is always value in experience, such sentences make you look like an inflexible person. 

What to  use instead: Replace this sentence with “That’s an altogether a different approach, can you please explain me, why it’s better?”

This reply shows your willingness to be convinced about the change. You give an impression that you are not completely averse to change, but have some reservations which can be addressed.

“There’s nothing I can do”

Many a times we feel stuck and frustrated while doing a task and seem to have hit the wall. This expression usually comes from that frustration as one gives in.  

What to  use instead: When faced with such a situation, remember that “can-do” approach will work better.T his situation can be handled easily by asking for options from all  sources saying “I am bit stuck, can you help me find any other option”. 

“This will only take a minute”

Things rarely do take a minute and saying this to your boss and to your colleague sometimes puts you in rushing situation.  

What to  use instead: One should use “Let me get back to you in a given timeframe”. This will help you  calculate the time that the completion of a given assignment will take. 

“I haven’t had time”

This will portray you as a person who is not in control of assignments, deadlines and priorities. It’s a proactive approach to take appropriate time to complete the task instead of giving excuses like the one mentioned above. 

What to use instead: Giving exact timeline is important and saying “I will be able to get this done by ….” 

“I just assumed that”

In corporate corridors assuming is for shirkers.  Instead of expressing assumptions, be clear about your views. 

What to use instead: Ask your boss about his expectations. So one should say “Could you clarify what are your expectations from me?”

“That makes no sense” 

Getting confused may make us jump to a conclusion. This will give negative vibes. We have to try to make the other person to give his/her opinion too.

What to use instead: Simply use “I am not sure about this one, but can you explain me why its better?” 

“You are wrong”

The use of this sentence is not only rude but also dismissive of the other person. Diplomacy is the best strategy in most of the work situations. 

What to  use instead: Giving your opinion, instead pinching someone can be “I disagree with this and here’s why…., What do you think?”