Boss bloopers

Things You Should Never Say to Your Boss

I have the list of things you should never say to your boss. You may not be aware of it, but if you say these things, you could come off as rude, lazy, disrespectful, or careless – and sabotage your chances of a promotion or a raise. So here’s what to never to say according to CareerBuilder.com:

Don’t say: “I really need to talk to you – it’s important!” The experts say, what may seem important to you, may not be important to the big cheese. In today’s fast-paced workplace, managers don’t have time to personally attend to your every need. If you have to talk to your boss about something you deem important, explain what it’s regarding quickly, so they can decide whether or not it’s important to them.
Next, never say: “I don’t need help” or “I don’t need anyone to teach me.” It’s one thing to know how to perform a job; it’s another thing to think you already know all there is to learn. If the boss thinks you need help, go with it.
The third thing not to say to the boss: “Could you repeat that?” One time is okay, but continually asking your manager to repeat themselves means you were tuned out – or you weren’t taking notes. It shows a lack of respect.
Another boss no-no: “It’s not my fault!” Never cover up a mistake by blaming someone else or refusing to take the blame. That just shows you’re not only unreliable, you’re deceptive. If you did make a mistake – own up to it and offer a solution. 9 times out of 10, if you go to the boss – before he finds out himself or through someone else – and say ‘Hey, I messed up big time. Here’s what I plan to do about it,” you won’t get in trouble.
Also, never tell the boss: “I just never got around to it.” What you think is a low priority, may not be what your boss thinks. So when they give you a project, ask them – how high of a priority is this? Keep a list of what you’ve got on your plate – and regularly give your boss a status report. Priorities may change.
Okay, the final thing not to say to your boss: “Can you tell Steve to shut off his annoying music!” Ask Steve yourself, nicely. If you can’t resolve a problem with your co-worker, ask the boss for advice, but don’t expect him to respond to your complaining.