Everyone has a boss. Even if you “work for yourself,” you’re still an employee to your client.

A big part of maintaining the boss-employee relationship is to never allow a boss to think you dislike your work, are incapable of doing it, or–worse–consider it beneath you.

These sound like no-brainers, but many statements heard commonly around the workplace violate these basic rules. Looking for an example? Here are seven heard in workplaces all the time. They may seem ordinary, even harmless. But try reading these from your boss’s point of view. You’ll see right away why it’s smart to never allow these seven sentences to pass your lips:

“That’s not my job.”
You know what? A lot of bosses are simple souls who think your job is to do what’s asked of you. So even if you’re assigned a task that is, indeed, not your job, refrain from saying so. Instead, try to find out why your boss is assigning you this task–there may be a valid reason. If you believe that doing the task is a bad idea (as in, bad for the company) you can try explaining why and suggesting how it could be better done by someone else. This may work, depending on the boss. In any case, remember that doing what’s asked of you, even tasks outside your job description, is good karma.

“It’s not my problem.”
When people say something is not their problem it makes them look like they don’t care. This does not endear them to anybody, especially the boss. If a problem is brewing and you have nothing constructive to say, it’s better to say nothing at all. Even better is to pitch in and try to help. Because, ultimately, a problem in the workplace is everyone’s problem. We’re all in it together.

“It’s not my fault.”
Yet another four words to be avoided. Human nature is weird. Claiming that something is not our fault often has the result of making people suspect it is. Besides, what’s the real issue here? It’s that something went wrong and needs to be fixed. That’s what people should be thinking about–not who is to blame.

“I can only do one thing at a time.” News flash: Complaining you are overworked will not make your boss feel sorry for you or go easier on you. Instead, a boss will think: (1) you resent your job, and/or (2) you aren’t up to your job. Everybody, especially nowadays, feels pressured and overworked. If you’re trying to be funny, please note that some sarcasm is funny and lightens the mood. Some just ticks people off.

“I am way overqualified for this job.”
Hey, maybe you are. But the fact is, this is the job you have. You agreed to take it on and, while you may now regret that decision, it’s still your job. Complaining that it’s beneath you only makes you look bad. Plus, coworkers doing similar jobs may resent and dislike you. And guess what? Bosses will not think, “Oh, this is a superior person whom I need to promote.” Nope, they’ll think, “What a jerk.”

“This job is easy! Anyone could do it!”
Maybe what you’re trying to convey here is that you’re so brilliant your work is easy. Unfortunately, it comes off sounding more like, “This work is stupid.” Bosses don’t like hearing that any work is stupid. Nor do they really like hearing that a job is easy peasy. It belittles the whole enterprise. If a task is simple, be glad and do it as quickly as you can. Even “stupid” work needs to get done.

“It can’t be done.”
Saying something can’t be done is like waving a red flag in a boss’s eyes. Even if the thing being suggested truly is impossible, saying it is can make you look ineffectual or incapable. Better to play detective. Why is the boss asking you to do whatever it is? What’s the problem that needs to be solved? What’s the goal? Search for doable ways of solving that problem or reaching that goal. That’s what bosses really want. Most of them do not expect the impossible.

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Just as you manage your employees, you need to manage the boss. Your management career will take off if you can show the higher-ups that you’re a reliable, trustworthy star. The very thought of trying to impress the boss may make you cringe. The notion of currying favour with powerful people at your organization may strike you as a fake, calculated attempt to get ahead.

There’s a right way and wrong way to impress VIPs.

If you exceed expectations, anticipate and address a boss’s concerns, and consistently look for ways to add value, you’ll shine.

But if you show off, bad-mouth colleagues, and hog credit for team accomplishments, you’ll muddy your reputation and lose any chance of advancement.

Speak in can-do language.

Bosses will heed your comments if you sound like you’re organized, enthusiastic and eager to deliver results. When they ask you a question, give a one-sentence overview before you dive into the details. For example, start by saying, “We have three options” or “Let’s examine this on three different levels.”

Look ahead when discussing the status of a project.

Focus on what will happen next rather than rehash what’s already occurred. And never admit you’re in wait-and-see mode. It’s better to say, “We’re going to make progress when we resume our meeting next week” than “I’m waiting for a return call so we can schedule a meeting next week.”

When the boss asks you to do something, respond with confidence.

Say, “I’ll have that for you by 8:00 tomorrow morning” rather than “I’ll try to get that to you tomorrow morning.” Don’t leave yourself an out. Executives grow suspect of managers who lace their remarks with qualifiers and back off from making bold commitments.

Look for patterns in your interaction with your superiors.

Anticipate what issues or requests the boss will raise and be ready to answer. If you promise to do something, follow through promptly. Never make your boss nag you.

Most importantly, adopt a “no excuses” policy.

Failing to produce results almost guaranteed that a boss will doubt your abilities. When you’re asked to give a progress report, start by summarizing what you’ve done, not what you haven’t been able to do. Say, “Here’s where we are at” or “So far we’ve achieved these five goals.” Don’t say, “I haven’t had a chance to…..” or “I’m hoping that soon I can….”

Prepare to delight the boss by taking these steps:

Arm yourself with answers:

Think in advance of what the boss will ask you – and prepare concise answers. Research the facts and gather the latest information so you’re ready to impress with your vast knowledge of an issue.

Under-promise and over-deliver:

Set time frames that you can beat. List your project objectives – and then accomplish all of them along with tossing in something extra. Consistently go beyond what’s expected and you’ll stand out.

Challenge in private:

Wait for a calm moment to question a boss’s order. Make sure no one else can overhear. Never object to the boss’s comments in public.

Source:

Andrew Rondeau.  He is the author of the free guide “The Simple Steps To Deliver A Dazzling Presentation”. Grab your complimentary copy at http://www.greatmanagement.org/blog/

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