20 phrases that will make you feel bad at work

At first glance, meaningless common phrases, clichés and excuses seem harmless. But they will not advance negotiations or help others understand you better. On the other hand, they can spoil the impression of you, discourage the interlocutors from continuing a serious dialogue, or even offend someone from the audience.

Here are examples of similar words and phrases you might hear in meetings and meetings.

1. "I'm just saying that ..."

Regardless of how long you have spoken before and how thoughtful your speech was, you belittle its meaning with one short phrase. Now these are “just words”, which, as it were, can be ignored.

2. "I have the right to my own opinion"

Undoubtedly. You can have your own opinion. But this phrase shows that you are not able to defend your point of view and at the same time are not ready to make concessions. As a result, the listeners involuntarily tense up, because you made it clear that the conversation will not lead to anything, or even stop altogether after such a statement.

3. "I had no choice"

He is always there. Even when you say these words, you make another choice: try to shield yourself with one phrase or say something more worthy. If your actions are discussed with you, be prepared to defend your decision. Don’t excuse yourself with a no-choice phrase and don’t expect listeners to simply take it for granted.

4. "Well, that's my five cents"

Do not discount yourself, your efforts are more expensive. And this phrase gives the audience the impression that there is no point in listening to you.

5. "I do not care"

After such a statement, the conversation is unlikely to continue. Surely you yourself do not like it when others do not want listen your thoughts. So do not rush with such words.

6. "I personally…"

And who else, if you pronounce it? Many people think that the word "personal" clearly demonstrates that they are talking about their own feelings and opinions. But this is already obvious when you use the pronoun "I".

7. "As if…"

We insert this expression while looking for the right word or formulating a thought. And although it is slightly better than “uh ...”, But still creates an unpleasant impression. It is better to think over your remark in silence and start talking when you understand what exactly and how you want to say.

8. "I hope ..."

With this word, you make it clear that you refuse to control the process and disclaim obligations. You seem to promise to do something, but provide yourself with a loophole just in case. This calls into question your ability to fulfill obligations.

9. "That's not my fault"

When you say this, it seems like you want dump blame someone else, even if you don't intend to. Explain the circumstances in detail so that participants can be sure that the fault is really not yours. Well, if it's yours, admit it and offer a way out of the situation.

10. "My joint"

Yes, you admit guilt, but you do it with a slang expression that sounds inappropriate in a work setting. The phrase hints at sarcasm rather than being serious about your mistake.

11. "I cant"

Most often, people disguise this phrase with another: "I will not." Even if you didn't mean anything like that, those around you will hear just that. Use a different wording or explain the reasons that prevent you from doing what is required.

12. "It's not fair"

As soon as you say this, in the minds of the interlocutors there will be an image of a capricious child who twists his legs. Nobody promised that life is an honest thing.

Instead of saying this trivial phrase, explain what exactly seems unfair to you. For example, you have too many tasks and you are nothing do not have time. Or actions are required for which you do not have the necessary skills.

13. "We do this here"

Translated, this phrase means Farewell to Innovation and Creative Ideas. She says that you are closed to proposals and new approaches. After it, colleagues will not really want to speak out.

14. "Any ideas?"

Naturally, there are times when you really need to get to know a person's ideas. But in a certain context, this phrase becomes passive-aggressive. Moreover, regardless of whether it is pronounced by a leader or a subordinate.

If you are assigning a task, give specific instructions. Otherwise, it turns out that you say: “We need to do this. Think how "

And if you get directions and answer: "Do you have any ideas?" - you seem to be trying to relieve yourself of responsibility for the execution of the case. Instead, ask more specific, clarifying questions.

15. "With all due respect"

This is a “relative” of another phrase, which should also be forgotten: “I don’t want you offendbut... ”This introduction will not make your words less disrespectful. In the same way, one could say: "I do not care about you, and in any case I will express my opinion."

16. "This is nonsense"

After such a statement, constructive dialogue will clearly not continue. After all, you just said that the interlocutor is talking nonsense. Think about what exactly seems meaningless to you, and formulate your reply in the form of a question to clarify the matter.

17. Let's not reinvent the wheel

Almost any improvement is the result of “reinventing” something old. Sometimes the attempts fail, but sometimes they are incredibly successful. But with this phrase you brand all ideas as bad in advance and block the way innovations.

18. "I heard you"

This is not an act of respect at all. You can listen to a person, but not delve into his words. This phrase means that you just waited for your turn to speak.

19. "But…"

When you have discussed something and suddenly drop this “but”, it may seem that what was said after it nullifies all the previous. People usually cling to this word, forget what they heard before and remember the negative that sounded at the end best of all.

20. "Honestly"

What, the previous words were lies? If everything you said is true, there is no point in using this phrase. Hearing it, the interlocutors willy-nilly will doubt your sincerity.

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What phrases annoy you at work? Share examples in the comments.