10 Most Hated Phrases at Work

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#10 - I Want You to Think Outside the Box

Commentary: This is one of the most overused clichés in the office. Work is the box, so it is impossible to get out.

Better: Let’s find a creative solution.


#9 - Let’s Take This Offline

Commentary: Where is offline? If we can’t solve problems in a meeting, why are we meeting? I love it when someone goes into their offline spiel when they didn’t even provide a meeting agenda.

Better: Just be honest and say you don’t know the answer. Provide an agenda and refer to it. Only invite key players to your meetings.


#8 - I Will Email You the Slides Of After the Presentation

Commentary: Why am I sitting at this meeting if you are going to send me the slides to read later?

Better: The adult mind can only remember 3 key points from 1 presentation. Keep your presentations simple! Give the people something to remember like a video or song! After the meeting, distribute a 1 page summary that outlines your main points.


#7 - This Message Was Sent From My Blackberry

Commentary: I know people that can not even look me in the eye when talking to me because they are so focused on their blackberry. I would like to video this “I am too important for you” phenomena and send it to their mom. When I receive this message, I know I am most likely stealing someone else’s time so the bb sender can send me a short, worthless, misspelled message.

Better: Pick designated times in the day to properly respond to email with a big boy computer.


#6 - You Look Tired!

Commentary: I am convinced that this is a secret strategy the super cheerful use to make others look or feel bad. If someone says this to you, you should always reply…so do you.

Better: Compete with your performance! If you really think someone looks tired, ask them if there is anything you can do to help. You could also leave them alone, let them go home early, or buy them a cup of coffee.


#5 - I want to take 10,000 Foot Birds Eye View of This Problem

Commentary: You are not a bird. Can’t we just tackle the problem like 2 grown adults?

Better: Let’s fully review the problem and gauge the impact.


#4 - You Are Late!

Commentary: If someone is late, they know they are late. Everyone around them knows they are late. There is no need to call this out or try to embarrass someone into changing their schedule.

Better: If lateness is a problem, meet with the person 1 on 1 to discuss and address their schedule.


#3 - Tell It to Me Like I’m A 5th Grader

Commentary: What are you saying about yourself? Do you need a nap and recess afterwards too? Either way, a wise person once told me that if more than 20% understands your idea, it is probably not that innovative.

Better: Describe it to me like I am new to the process. Better yet, just let someone you are new to the idea or process.


#2 - Your Fired!

Commentary: This is a big day for the person being fired. It might even be the best or worst day of their life. Try to think of a creative way to position this big event.

Better: You Have Been Promoted To Guest


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