In any workplace, maintaining a professional relationship with your manager is crucial for your career growth and overall job satisfaction. While open communication is often encouraged, there are certain things that are best left unsaid. As an HR professional, I’ve seen how certain comments or confessions can damage careers or create unnecessary tension in the workplace. Here’s a list of the top 10 things you should never tell your manager.
That’s not in my job description.”
While it’s important to set boundaries, telling your manager that a task isn’t in your job description can come across as inflexible or unwilling to contribute to the team. Instead, consider discussing how the task can align with your career goals or finding a way to accommodate the request without sounding dismissive.
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“I can’t stand working with [Coworker’s Name].”
Complaining about colleagues can reflect poorly on you, even if you’re justified in your feelings. Managers often value team players who can work through conflicts. Instead of venting to your manager, try to resolve the issue directly with the coworker or seek HR’s advice on conflict resolution.
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“I’m just here for the paycheck.”
Even if you feel this way, expressing it can make your manager question your commitment to the role and the organization. Managers look for employees who are passionate and engaged with their work. It’s better to focus on what aspects of the job you do enjoy and how you can grow within the company.
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“I didn’t get that done because I was too busy.”
Managers expect employees to manage their time effectively. If you consistently use busyness as an excuse, it may signal poor time management skills. Instead, prioritize your tasks and communicate with your manager if you genuinely need help managing your workload.
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“I don’t know how to do that.”
While it’s okay not to know everything, it’s better to frame your lack of knowledge as a learning opportunity. Instead, say, “I’m not familiar with that, but I’d love to learn. Could you point me in the right direction?” This shows initiative and a willingness to grow.
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“I think this policy is stupid.”
Criticizing company policies directly to your manager can come across as disrespectful or unprofessional. If you disagree with a policy, approach the topic thoughtfully, offering constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement instead of outright negativity.
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“I have another job offer.”
Mentioning another job offer can be seen as a manipulative tactic to get a raise or promotion. If you’re considering leaving, it’s better to have a candid conversation with your manager about your career goals and see if there’s a path forward within the company before making any ultimatums.
Dave Kerpen
“This is how we did it at my last job.”
While it’s great to bring fresh ideas from previous experiences, repeatedly comparing your current job to a former one can be annoying to managers. Instead, frame your suggestions as new ideas rather than comparisons, focusing on how they can benefit the current team.
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“I’m not responsible for that mistake.”
Shifting blame to others, even if justified, can make you appear defensive and unwilling to take responsibility. It’s better to acknowledge the mistake, explain what happened, and discuss how you can help fix it or prevent it in the future.
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“I’m bored.”
Telling your manager that you’re bored can signal that you’re not fully engaged or challenged in your role. Instead, approach the conversation by asking for more responsibilities or opportunities to develop new skills. This shows that you’re proactive and eager to contribute more to the team.
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