Small changes enhance your Language

Are there certain phrases or words that you might want to reconsider using in order to be a better colleague or seen as more professional?

There are a couple that I would like to suggest we avoid.

“I’m so busy.”

Yes, we are all busy. It is the nature of the workplace and life in general. And the reality is that it doesn’t seem to get any better with the passage of time or changes to jobs. There is always something that demands time that we don’t feel we have.

Still, saying this to another person conveys so much more than “I have a lot on my plate.”

Saying “I’m so busy” can come across in a variety of not-so-great ways. It can make others feel that they are a bother to you and it would be better if they leave you alone. It can be seen as a way to signal that you believe that you have much more responsibility or burden than others around you do. Or it can make someone feel that you simply don’t have time for them.

If you truly are so wrapped up in a particular project or task at the time, I suggest being honest and kind: “I am in the middle of working on something time sensitive right now. Could we find a time to talk later when we can both give one another our full attention?” That lets the other person know that the immediate moment is not good for you, yet you are not brushing them off. Your professionalism shows by asking them for an opportunity that you can be focused on them.

“But” or “however”

These are negative conjunctions that might seem benign, but in reality can make the tone of whatever you are communicating take a serious downturn.

I can’t recall how many times I have felt my mood drop because I read “but” in the middle of a sentence. Even in situations where what came after “but” or “however” was not a problem, my mental state was already in decline because of how that word negates whatever preceded it.

For example: “You did a great job on this report. However, can I ask you to write a cover letter as well?” The inclusion of “however” is completely unnecessary. Yet its presence sets a bad tone for what comes after it. The solution here is to leave it out. Nixing it from the remark keeps the tone neutral, or even positive.

What words or statements do you find to be rude or difficult in the workplace (or any place)?