WASHINGTON — Office chatter is a normal part of the job, but it may have more of an effect on your success than you think.
According to a recent LinkedIn article, there are seven things that should never be said at the workplace, despite being common.
The number one phrase is “That’s not in my job description.”
While seemingly harmless, columnist Ilya Pozin says it should never be said when asked to do something.
“A specific conversation about your place in the organization is a good time to bring up the particulars of your job description, not when you’re asked to get something accomplished,” Pozin wrote.
Also on the list is “This will just take a minute.”
Employees say this phrase often when asked to do a seemingly easy task. “It will take a second,” or “Give me a minute,” are sayings that are in our everyday vocabulary.
In an office, however, over-promising can change coworkers’ expectations of the task. By saying it will “just” take a minute, you look past the fact that it probably is an easy task because of your work experience.
“This is the way it’s always been done,” also made the cut.
Pozin writes that things change in business all the time. If you want to work your way up the ladder, embrace the changes.
- “That’s not in my job description.”
- “It can’t be done.”
- “It’s not my fault.”
- “This will just take a minute.”
- “I don’t need any help.”
- “It’s not fair.”
- “This is the way it’s always been done.”
For more information, visit Linkedin.
Michael Stern contributed to this report. Follow @MSternUMD and @WTOP on Twitter and WTOP on Facebook.
