I Don’t Like These Phrases At Work — How About You?
Most people spend a lot of time either going to/from work, at work, or even thinking about work. Clearly I qualify as one of those people. From time to time I have heard phrases over the years at different jobs that bother me — actually really bother me:
"I am just trying to go under the radar screen" - I was shocked when someone said this to me. This person is very smart, has a lot to offer a company and probably has 20 years left on their career. To me they are trying to coast, not go above and beyond, never have an opinion on anything so you don’t ruffle feathers.
"It’s not my job" - I am sure there are a few people reading this who just yelled out that they dislike this phrase as well. Job descriptions CAN’T contain everything that someone will do in a week or month. Because most businesses have peaks and valleys, some people will be slammed while others have time (possibly lots of time) on their hands. No matter what the business or industry you are in, if people don’t help out co-workers, companies will NEVER maximize their profits and client service could potentially suffer.
"That’s the way we’ve always done it" - Isn’t there always a better way to do something? With the business environment moving at light speed, there always seems to be areas or systems to improve. The key is, you have to have the right people to find those areas.
- What do you think when you hear these phrases?
- What phrases do you hate to hear in a work environment?
I look forward to your comments.
March 12th, 2008 at 8:21 am
“I just work here.” I hate that phrase. At my last company, a senior level person said this to someone on the telephone and I just about went through the roof.
The one that always bother me is the “That’s the way we’ve always done it” I want to say move on then. Usually I am more tactful than that though.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:02 am
“it’s not my job” is definitely my least favorite and i groaned out loud when i read it.
The other one that bothers me is: “i don’t get paid enough to do that”.
Even if it is said in jest, it’s not funny.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Maybe I’m just not a big company guy, but I think of the overall success of the company as “part of my job” and try to take action. Whether that is new ideas, techniques or just addressing the issues that no one wants to face.
It is amazing the number of objections my company gets solely based on “That’s the way we’ve always done it.” I used to listen to tapes and records, but now I prefer my ipod!
March 12th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Stephenie,
Appreciate your comment - you are right I HATE that comment. There is no place in business for comments like that.
Merrill
March 12th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Definitely, “It’s not my job.” or “That’s not our job.” are two of my least favorites.
One that I have heard is “The client isn’t paying enough for us to spend any time on that.” as an excuse for not doing a quality job. If we have settled on a price for a project they should get our best, regardless of whether they are better at negotiating a price than we are.
Related to that one is, “They get what they pay for.” I think that it actually damages the company overall when people are allowed to perform at a lower standard on some projects. It can lead to poorer performance on other projects and is bad for the company reputation.
Oh, and a huge one for me is “We can’t do that.” when what they really mean is “I don’t know how to do that.’ I once went through weeks of whining about “We can’t do that.” When we finally did “that”, it was a real breeze and a vast improvement in what we provided to the client.
Steve
March 13th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
We hate the following phrases at work:
“10:00 and you’re just getting in? Wish I had YOUR job.”
“Have you seen how many times so-and-so has used the lactation room today?”
“There goes so-and-so leaving early AGAIN.”
“Banker’s hours?”
“There’s no way so-and-so is putting in 40 hours. The rest of us are putting in 60 to 70 hours…what a slacker.”
“How come so-and-so gets to leave early all the time to get their kid from daycare? Wish I had a kid.”
When will people stop judging how others use their time?! We call this language Sludge - want to help us get rid of it??!!
Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson
Creators of the Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE)
Authors of the forthcoming book “Why Work Sucks and How to Fix It”
March 14th, 2008 at 10:25 am
The one I REALLY hate is “I am not going to throw so-and-so under the bus but….”
March 14th, 2008 at 10:28 am
“To be perfectly honest with you”. It implies that there is either a different kind of honesty or that up until those words are spoken that person has not been “pefectly” honest.
March 14th, 2008 at 10:34 am
My least favorite phrase that seems to be in vogue today is ” I can’t pay you because I’ve not been paid by my client”
March 14th, 2008 at 10:43 am
I not only dislike those phrases, but others as well.
I manage an inpatient unit in a busy hospital and take issue with any staff who respond “That’s not my patient” and leaving the person hanging.
In this day and age we are all trying to be competitive in whatever business we are in and service excellence is one way to stand out.
It is not only the phrases that can drive me crazy, but inlude rolling eyes into the mix it makes it twice as bad
March 14th, 2008 at 10:46 am
My least favorite:
“As you know, the company is having financial challenges and we have to let some very valuable people go. It has nothing to do with your performance, but…’
March 14th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Add to the list of unappreciated comments: “You want it when??” Anyone who carries around the unhelpful attitude that this phrase connotes has no business in my organization, that’s for sure.
I would imagine most of who participate on Merrill’s blog share similar philosophies and work spirits, so I doubt I’m unique in feeling that we partner with our clients. Thus, when they’re in need of a rush job, we do all we can to accommodate them–and if there’s a way to alleviate their stress in any way, we willingly do so.
Attitude is everything.
March 14th, 2008 at 11:32 am
I once had someone justify why they weren’t giving their all on a project here at Taco Bell by telling me, “It’s just tacos, it’s not like we’re saving the world here”. In my firm opinion, that person doesn’t deserve a chance to work hard in my department - or any other research department that they view as “not important enough”. If you don’t give your all, if you can’t drum up the passion to do your best - with a positive attitude - then you shouldn’t be in the game.
You do what it takes. Period.
March 14th, 2008 at 11:58 am
My all time “peeve” statement is, “I’d rather be at home”. When I ask an employee how their day is going, I don’t ask it insincerely and I try to communicate that I truly care about the answer. Over the years, I’ve had several respond with some variation of, “Ok, but I’d rather be home”. Without exception, I’ve pulled those people aside and coached them. It is SUCH a bad feeling to communicate to your employer and sets such a negative tone for peers as well.
March 14th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Laurie,
At least when someone says that in our industry it isn’t life threatening. I thought the job was a nurse was too save lives not turn your back on patients in a time of need!
Thanks for your comment.
Merrill
March 14th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
“Two wrongs don’t make a right”. I have heard that phrase used too often as a response to a legitimate question or statement of legitimate disagreement within a discussion. It is often the phrase employed when someone does not have a genuine answer to a question posed. Of course two wrongs don’t make a right - but the phrase should not be used as a cover or to avoid a real answer.