By Brooke Howell, Monster Contributing Writer
One of the best ways to ensure your day-to-day work life is pleasant and your career remains on an upward trajectory is to get -- and stay -- on your boss' good side. It sounds like a simple thing to do, but you'd be surprised at the number of employees who can't seem to get it right.
The problem often is that they're unwittingly saying and doing things that communicate to the boss that they're incompetent, uncooperative or immature -- qualities no boss likes in an employee.
Don't want to be that employee? Then steer clear of saying these things that are sure to put any boss in a bad mood.
- "It's not my fault." Even
if it's not, saying so just makes you sound like a 6 year old. Adults
take responsibility, and then take action to make things right. Bosses
want employees that are always part of the solution -- especially after
they've been part of the problem.
- "It's not my job." Your
responsibilities aren't limited to those specifically stated in your
job description. If the boss is asking you about something that needs to
be done then it's your job. When you say otherwise to his face you
sound childish, disrespectful and uncooperative.
- "There must have been some miscommunication."
"Because all businesses are so competitive these days, bosses cannot
afford to have employees costing the company a big client or critical
contract because of their poor communications," says Anita Bruzzese author of "45 Things You Do That Drive Your Boss Crazy -- And How to Avoid Them."
Different bosses have different informational needs, so find out what
your bosses are and then be sure to meet them. "Being a good
communicator is critical for the success of a company, a boss -- and an
employee's career."
- "I'm so hung-over." This
isn't something to brag about and admitting to heavy drinking on a work
night shows the boss you aren't taking your job as seriously as you
could. It also makes her wonder if you're prone to making bad decisions
in other aspects of your life and work.
- "I can't stand Steve." This
doesn't just apply to Steve, but to all of your coworkers. "Bosses get
really annoyed when they have to take time from important tasks to break
up spats between co-workers and they don't want to get human resources
involved when two workers can't solve their differences in a
professional way," says Bruzzese. "They want workers to be respectful of
one another and act like adults, period."
- "I'm too sick to work." This
is fine if it's true, especially if you can't do your job from home and
are contagious, but if it's a lie and your boss finds out you could be
in big trouble. The chances of getting caught have increased greatly
with the proliferation of social media. It only takes one stray Facebook
update, Foursquare check-in or Twitter tweet to show the boss -- or a
big-mouthed co-worker -- what you're really up to.
- Too much or too little.
"Employees may have never bothered to ask how or when the boss wants to
be communicated with, so they may sit on critical information the boss
needs or bug him or her endlessly with trivial stuff," says Bruzzese.
- Whines and gripes.
"Since the Great Recession, employees have been asked to do more with
less and many have fallen into the habit of chronic whining about their
situation," says Bruzzese. With everyone in the same boat and companies
still at risk, that complaining really stands out to bosses who are also
plenty tired themselves. You want to spend your time coming up with
solutions to problems, she says. "Remember, there are still about three
people for every job opening -- the boss may not have any trouble
filling your shoes."
- "I need a raise." It's
not your boss' responsibility to fulfil your need to pay your credit
card bills, go on vacation or eat out more. She should pay you fairly
for the work you're doing, though. If you think you deserve a raise,
approach her with concrete evidence that you've earned a salary increase
and make it a two-way conversation -- not a confrontational demand.
- "I'll quit if ..." Never threaten to quit unless you're prepared to follow through if the boss calls your bluff. If he does and you don't, you'll definitely lose his respect -- and possibly your job.
