Comments on: Worst Things to Say at Work

By: Mile High Pixie

Mile High Pixie — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 02:28:15 +0000

I’ve discussed with the interns at my office not to use “dude” or “like/y’know” every third word. If you commit to a task and don’t end up finishing it, be honest: “X took longer than expected and I wasn’t able to make much headway on Y; I’ll have it done by the end of today.” Or the suggestion you made, Ms. T, works well if you know from the start that you’ll be hardpressed to get yet another task done.

Sadly, I find myself using “To be honest”, mostly as a way to keep my REAL honesty in check (ie, trying not to say “You’re a blooming idiot” when that’s the really honest answer). But they’re right–it sounds kinda silly.

By: Carin

Carin — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:58:52 +0000

I have noticed with the higher you are up on the chain, the less respect you have for others beneath your job level. When my old boss told me and other co-workers “Only people with Children get to have the Holidays off”, I just grinned and bared it and said “That is really thoughtful” even though I felt personally discriminated against because I chose not to have babies. I had family that was coming down from California and I live in Texas. I think ALL employees should be treated fairly. Us “Single” people do have families too. So my moto is “Grin and Bare it!” Bite your teeth if you have too.

By: Ms. Theologian

Ms. Theologian — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:01:04 +0000

I suppose you could say, “I’m working on A, B, and C, but would LOVE to help with D. How would you suggest I reprioritize?” If you felt inclined.

By: GhostGirl

GhostGirl — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:56:35 +0000

So if you genuinely didn’t have time for something, are you supposed to lie and say the dog ate your laptop or something?

By: Ms. Theologian

Ms. Theologian — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:35:30 +0000

That’s definitely a close cousin (a brother perhaps).

Did you read the comments on the CNN article? It didn’t go over so well.

By: jacqueline

jacqueline — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:32:18 +0000

It depends on who you are talking to. If you are speaking with your boss I think “I haven’t had a raise in four years, or thats not my job” are relevant.

Now, the To be Honest has a cousin, “Can I be honest with you?” That is when the speaker is going to tell you something horrible, usually about you. Run… run away!