Having an open dialogue with your manager is key to ensure a fruitful relationship which benefits both parties. Having said this, there are certain things you should not say to your manager.
1. “That’s not my job”
Pitch in and invest yourself within the company. Every job will require you to do duties which are outside of your job description. This shows a genuine commitment to the company and also highlights that you’re a team player. This will be recognised by your manager and maybe you will even be rewarded with a job promotion.
2. “I am only here for the money”
Money should not be the only incentive for you to work. Saying this will sound alarm bells to your manager because it will show that you are only motivated by £££ and not ambitious enough to grow. It will also suggest that you will do the minimum amount to get the job done in order to get the pay package at the end of each month. For a manager, this is not something they want to hear, they want to know that you will go above and beyond to get the job done to the best of your ability.
3. “I could be doing other things”
Every task no matter how mundane plays an integral part to the overall company objectives. So don’t spit your dummy out of the pram and complain about it. Not only is it not professional, it will also affect your relationship with your manager. Be diplomatic in your approach, if you want more out of your job, go out and make the most of it.
4. “That will take too much time”
Suck it up! Do not complain about how much time a task will take. If the job takes a week to get it done right, then that’s what it takes. Do not take the easy route, as nothing is more frustrating to a manager than an employee who wants to rush through tasks to finish, without ensuring the output is of good quality to get the business to the next level.
5. “I will promise to do it”
Do not make promises you can’t keep, especially if you know you will not be able to deliver on time. If you fail to deliver it can result in negative repercussions for a business which will be taken seriously. It will also suggest to your manager that you are unreliable and deter any future opportunities that may come your way.
6. “It’s too difficult”
Do not present your manager with a problem but with a solution. Not everything you will be tasked with will be easy. If the job is difficult, ask a colleague for help and utilise their strengths. This will demonstrate that you are a good team player and also willing to get the job done.
