MUST READ: 13 Offensive Phrases To Avoid Using in the workplace

Some phrases that may seem harmless when used at home are termed  'career-limiting phrases' at the work-place because they distort one’s professional image and limit the potential for promotion. In a workplace where employers must be cost-effective, employees who use these phrases will likely be replaced with
those who have a more professional demeanor and use phrases that influence their listener's minds positively.

Like bad habits, completely eliminating career-limiting words and phrases might be difficult because, most of the time, we are unconscious of the fact that we’re using them. The trick is to be aware of our language-use
especially in the workplace and eradicate the following phrases from your conversations:

1 "I think..."
Saying 'I think' puts you at risk of sounding unsure or insecure about the issue addressed. Substitute the word 'think' with words that convey assertiveness and certainty  like 'believe' and 'know' to express a more profound conviction about your opinion.


2 "With All Due Respect"
This is a passive aggressive insult, a qualifier that causes the other person to get in their Taekwondo stance. 'With all due respect' usually comes before something offensive. When you hear that or read it in a message, you know anything that follows is going to be shot to your ego. The trick, instead, is to just make your point and be straightforward

Brutal honesty still precedes diplomacy in the workplace sometimes, especially when:
1. People simply don't understand subtlety
2. You need to get your points across
3. Others think you are being too nice and therefore can climb over your head
4. Your objective is bottomline results, quick and effective

3 “No problem.”
The laid-back and casual phrase, ‘no problem’ in reply to a 'thank you' may actually negate a person’s appreciation; falls short of communicating politeness; and implies the situation could have been a problem under other circumstances.
In formal settings and social situations, when someone thanks you, the courteous and polite reply is, “You’re welcome, if you want to be perceived as well-mannered and considerate.This implies that it was a pleasure for you to help the person, and that you receive their appreciation.


4 "What The Hell!"
While cursing among colleagues may be accepted at some workplaces, it's never a great idea to swear in front of your boss or your customers. Avoid strong language when there's frustration or the situation is intense as it could have the unfortunate effect of being 'petrol' on fire.

5 "That's a Bad Idea."
Don't resort to cheap-blows. You can get your point across without being mean. Running someone's idea down is the worst idea of them all. It's better to say something like 'I disagree.'
 Maybe you should just offer a better suggestion or just state the reasons why it's a bad idea. Like, "If we did that it might come across as sexist, racist etc. Saying 'it is a bad idea' is actually a bad idea and explaining it is even way better. There are some people, though, who won't get upset with this statement unless it was said rudely, because they value honesty more than sycophancy and boot licking.


6 "I Can't Do That."
You would think it's fine to say you can't do something if it's the truth and that If your boss asks you to do something you find unethical, there is nothing wrong with admitting it!
But it's not and there is! Even if you disagree with an assignment you've been given, nine times out of ten, you should complete it. Some assignments that are vital to other parts of your organization may not make sense to you directly. So if you're going to be a voice of dissent, be sure to pick your battles wisely and make sure it's a hill you're prepared to die on.
Being asked to do things not in your job description allows you to branch out, learn new stuff, and earn cookie points with the boss (which means more money on your pay based on performance at the end of the year).
 An unconcerned, detached and self-serving attitude quickly limits career advancement. If you don't have time for the assignment, or you don't know how to do it, there are ways of communicating that. It's better to say something like, 'I'd really like to help but I'm constrained by time". "Or, 'I need some guidance from you.' You always want to be seen as finding a solution to your problem.

7 “You guys.”
Avoid using the phrase “you guys” in the workplace and reserve it for friendly casual conversations. Referring to a group of people as ‘you guys’ is not only inaccurate if women are present, it is slang and lowers your level of professionalism. With fellow professionals such as your boss, co-workers and clients,
substitute “you guys” with terms such as “your organization” or “your team” or simply “you.”

8 "I'm worried My Boyfriend/Husband Is cheating on Me."
 Your workplace is not a quilting circle but a place of business so stuff the self-pity you-know-where! Unless you're going through something that's going to affect your work schedule like divorce proceedings, a death in the family, or a pregnancy, it's best to leave deeply personal issues outside of the office.
Apart from the obvious awkwardness of talking about your personal life in the workplace, it is important you apply a filter about what you tell co-workers who are friends. Co-workers may be very sweet to your face but have an ulterior motive and might use personal information against you should the relationship change or should they get a little ambitious.  Enough said.

9 "He Is an Annoying Jerk."
Name-calling in the workplace reveals juvenile school-yard immaturity and inevitably reflects poorly on you. The thing about calling a co-worker an annoying jerk, or gossiping about them is... more than likely your comments may boomerang and come and hit you in the face, especially if and when they become your
boss!
Gossiping in the office often suggests you are not productive in the workplace. Keep your gossip and negative thoughts to yourself. It's never good to dirty-talk a colleague or make unkind, judgmental statements about them. That includes statements made on social media.
Communicate a genuine complaint with tact, neutrality and consideration.


10 "It's not Fair."
Life itself is not fair and injustices happen on the job and in the world every day. The point in avoiding this phrase is to be proactive about the issues instead of complaining, or worse, passively whining. If you don't think something is fair, and you feel slighted enough to say something to your boss about it, I doubt currying favour is your main concern. If you feel you've been wronged or treated unfairly, you are going to be frank, You can be frank and still word things better. "It's not fair" makes you sound like a 5 year old whose favourite toy was taken away. Fairness is relative and based on a perspective. Nobody likes a sore loser with an entitlement complex.
While you might be upset that a colleague was promoted over you, or that she was given a plum assignment that you had worked hard to earn, saying that you "deserved" something that wasn't given to you is not the way to curry favour with your boss. Instead, talk to your boss about your desire for a promotion or choice assignment down the line and ask what you might do to boost your chances or better still, document the facts, build a case, and present an intelligent argument to the person or group who can help you.

11 "You Look Smashing Hot."
The saying 'Sexual harassment only occurs when the one being harassed does not find the harasser attractive' is not applicable to the office!
It's totally fine to compliment someone's outfit, and okay to compliment a colleague on appearance, as long as it's not in an overtly sexual way. Don't take it too far.

12 "This Makes No Sense."
The reply "this makes no sense to me" following someone's action or explanation is a no-no in the office. If you can't understand someone's idea, the person will think you an idiot same way you think him/her an idiot. It's a vicious cycle. If you can explain why it 'makes no sense' your opinion will be respected.


13 "Everyone is Replaceable."
Ouch! This is not a great way to build confidence in your staff. This is a typical poor management. Employees are assets. You manage assets; you control expenses. The number one responsibility of a Manager is "protection of assets.Yes! The message might be accurate, but it needs to be wordsmithed a bit. A replacement is never going to bring the exact same qualifications to the table.

After reading all these, did I hear someone say it seems like it's best to simply keep one's mouth shut in the office!