We all want to get along at work, but sometimes we might be rubbing people the wrong way without realizing it.
If you’re using these phrases often, you might be unintentionally annoying your coworkers.
1. “That’s not my job.”
Look, we all have our roles, but this phrase screams, “I’m not a team player.” Even if something isn’t technically your responsibility, a more helpful response might be, “I’m not sure how to do that, but maybe we can figure it out together.” It shows you’re willing to pitch in and learn.
2. “I’m just being honest.”
This is often the preface to something unnecessarily harsh. Honesty is great, but it doesn’t mean abandoning tact. There’s usually a kinder way to give feedback or share your opinion. Try framing your thoughts more constructively, like “Have you considered this approach instead?”
3. “I told you so.”
Nobody likes a know-it-all, especially when things have gone wrong. Instead of gloating, try offering support. Something like, “That didn’t go as planned. How can I help?” goes a long way in building goodwill with your team.
4. “It’s always been done this way.”
This is the battle cry of someone resistant to change. Given how quickly technology is changing, it’s important to be open to new ideas, CNBC points out. Try saying, “That’s interesting. How does this new approach compare to our current method?” It shows you’re willing to consider fresh perspectives.
5. “I’m so busy/stressed.”
We’re all juggling a lot, but constantly announcing how stressed or busy you are can bring down team morale. It might also make people hesitant to approach you when they need help. Instead, try being more specific about your workload, like “I’m working on X project right now, but I can help you with that tomorrow.”
6. “Per my last email…”
This passive-aggressive gem is basically saying, “Read my emails, dummy!” If someone missed something, a gentler approach might be, “I know there’s a lot going on. Let me recap the main points from my last email.” It’s helpful without being condescending.
7. “I don’t have time for this.”
Even if you’re swamped, this comes across as dismissive and rude. A better approach might be, “I’m on a tight deadline right now. Can we schedule some time to discuss this later today or tomorrow?” It shows you’re willing to make time, just not right this second.
8. “That’s not my problem.”
This is the workplace equivalent of turning your back on someone. Even if it’s not directly your issue, a more collaborative response would be, “I’m not sure I’m the best person to handle this, but let’s find out who can help.” It shows you’re part of the solution, not just washing your hands of it.
9. “You should have…”
Hindsight is 20/20, and pointing out what someone should have done after the fact isn’t helpful. Instead, focus on moving forward. Try, “For next time, it might work better if we…” It’s constructive without being accusatory.
10. “I’ll try.”
This can come across as noncommittal or lacking confidence. If you can do something, say “I will.” If you’re not sure, be upfront about it: “I’m not certain I can complete that by Friday, but I’ll do my best and keep you updated on the progress.”
11. “That’s stupid.”
Calling ideas or suggestions “stupid” is a surefire way to shut down creativity and make people hesitant to share in the future. If you disagree with something, try a more constructive approach: “I have some concerns about that approach. Can we discuss the pros and cons?”
12. “I don’t get paid enough for this.”
Complaints about pay can create a negative atmosphere. If you have genuine concerns about compensation, that’s a private conversation to have with your manager, not something to broadcast to your coworkers.
13. “It’s not fair.”
Life isn’t always fair, and neither is work sometimes. Constantly pointing out perceived injustices can make you seem immature. If you have a real issue with how things are being handled, try addressing it more professionally: “I’ve noticed X. Can we discuss ways to make the workload more balanced?”
14. “That’s not my fault.”
Even if it truly isn’t your fault, immediately deflecting blame doesn’t solve the problem and can make you seem defensive. A more productive response might be, “I understand there’s an issue. Let’s figure out what went wrong and how we can fix it.”
15. “I’m just joking.”
This is often used to backpedal after saying something inappropriate or hurtful. Remember, if you have to explain that you’re joking, it probably wasn’t funny. Be mindful of your humor and how it might be seen by other people.
16. “I don’t care.”
Apathy is contagious and can bring down the whole team, Psychology Today warns. Even if you’re not personally invested in something, try to find a way to engage constructively. “While this isn’t my area of expertise, I’m interested to hear more about how it impacts our team.”
17. “That’s impossible.”
Writing something off as impossible can stifle innovation and problem-solving. Instead, try “That sounds challenging. Let’s break it down and see what we can realistically accomplish.” It shows you’re willing to tackle tough problems rather than dismissing them outright.
18. “I’m not paid to think.”
This self-deprecating comment undermines your own value and can be frustrating for managers who want their team to be proactive. Instead, if you’re unsure about something, try “I’d like to understand this better. Can you clarify what you’re looking for?”
