Words are of great importance. Intelligent people are aware of this and pay attention to the contents of their dictionaries. Some things they remove permanently, others they never use at work.
The words we say at work influence our professional image.
According to, among others, the emotional intelligence of the expert. intelligent people do not use certain words or phrases at work that could be wrong them.
LinkedIn influencer Dr. Travis Bradberry, the co-author of the book "Emotional Intelligence 2.0", believes that certain words and phrases carry a negative charge. Using them at work undermines your professional image.
In one of his articles, Travis Bradberry mentioned 10 words that intelligent people try to avoid like fire. The expert advises paying attention to whether we sometimes (over) use these expressions and cross them out gradually from our dictionary.
1. We've always done it this way
In the era of rapid technological progress, saying that something has always been done in a certain way and should remain so does not reflect our predispositions to work in a modern company. We are required to be ready for constant changes.
Moreover, such statements may cause our boss to wonder if we are too lazy.
2. I can't
The categorical statement "I can't" is often taken as "I don't want to". Before we admit that we cannot do something, we must try. Most often it turns out that we manage to get it before we have a chance to say "I can't". If it turns out that we really cannot do something in a certain way, we must look for an alternative solution. A professional will never say that he can't do something. He'll just do it differently.
3. It's not fair
Everyone knows life is not fair. Using the phrase "it's unfair" makes us look immature and infantile. Even if something doesn't seem quite right, we need to find logical arguments that we can use to discuss any changes.
4. It is not my responsibility
At work, it is good to be assertive and not to let yourself get in the way, but everything can be expressed in two ways: right and wrong. The sarcastic statement that "this is not my job" is not appropriate. It causes us to be perceived as people who want to do only the absolute minimum. On the other hand, a calm and matter-of-fact conversation with your boss about your responsibilities, what you are able to do, and what you are not willing to do is a completely different matter.
5. This may be a stupid idea ... / I will now ask a stupid question ...
Perhaps you think that these kinds of statements are a kind of security ("after all, I warned you that I wasn't sure if this was a good idea"). Unfortunately, they only work against you. Listeners hear the strongest word in the entire sentence, which is "stupid". They may begin to see you that way - a stupid person. The insecurity of your own intelligence, unfortunately, spreads to others.
6. I'll try
Don't say "I'll try." Say "I will." "I'll try" challenges your confidence that you are up to the task.
7. It only takes a minute
If you're not going to get your task done in 60 seconds, don't say it will. It looks like you are in a hurry or your task could be done in such a short time and therefore extremely easy. So why talk about it?
8. I hate this job
Even though we all hate our jobs at times, no one really wants to hear others complain. People who complain regularly are considered negative and lower the morale of the group.
9. It's not my fault
Like "it's unfair", "it's not my fault" sounds immature. Even if you know that the error you are responsible for was only partly your fault, that others are more responsible for it, you have to take it on your shoulders. When you say "it's not your fault" you will have to identify who you think is responsible. It won't raise your status in the team.
10. He is incompetent/lazy / stupid
Wise people don't judge others, at least not out loud. First, it's rude to speak badly about your colleagues. If we have any comments about their work, we can talk to them face to face. If someone is really not competent, everyone knows it already.
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