3 Things You Should Never Tell Your Employer
1. If you think another worker is “incompetent”
Do you work with someone who can never seem to get it together? If you are having trouble with a coworker who doesn’t complete his or her work and frequently misses deadlines, this can be especially irritating — but it’s a common problem within the workplace. A Taskworld survey of workers found that “75 percent of respondents found themselves waiting on coworkers more than occasionally to complete a work related task.”
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It’s always best to try and resolve these problems as amicably as possible, without turning them into a major motion picture. But if you’ve tried over and over again to work things out to no avail, it may get so bad that you have to discuss it with management in some cases.
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In these situations, it’s never a good idea to go to your employer and say you feel “Jane is incompetent,” or “Jane is so lazy.” That’s not for you to decide, and it sounds as though you’re bad-mouthing your coworker, instead of trying to solve the problem. It’s better to ask your superior for advice. Be specific, clear, and concise about the problem and any potential solutions.
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Instead, try: “Jane has brought her portion of the reports to me at least a day late over the past 12 weeks, and I have had to stay at work late some days as a result. I have discussed the matter with her, but it is not yet resolved. Can you offer me any guidance? Perhaps a team meeting could get us back on the same page.”
What do you think?
This way, you avoid sounding like a drama queen (or king), and you get the actionable results you need in the process. Plus, if Jane is really is incompetent, this will show itself over time.
2. If you dislike your job or anyone there
One of the worst things you can say to your employer is “I hate my job.” Generally, that’s a statement that’s loaded with anger and negative emotions. Plus, it won’t benefit you at all to reveal those types of negative feelings. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or frustrated with your current position, there are constructive ways in which you can tell your employer while remaining positive.
What do you think?
It’s a good idea to create a list of the things that are causing your frustration. Again, be specific and try to think of viable solutions to some of these problems. No workplace is perfect, and if you bring these issues to your superiors’ attention in a constructive manner, you may be helping to promote improvement across the board. Odds are, if you’re feeling this way, other employees may be frustrated with some of the same processes, as well.
3. Anything that could be filed under TMI
The office is a place where you want to be yourself. But on the same note, it’s best to refrain from sharing things about you that makes others around you uncomfortable — too much information (TMI). If you have any question as to whether your story, omen, or joke falls in the TMI category, it’s probably better to keep quiet.
Salary.com discussed this issue a little while back, indicating things workers should never tell their bosses. According to the website, you should refrain from sharing your sexual orientation, your living situation, information about a second job, and even your spouse’s income. You should also shy away from topics like your night life, your personal or religious beliefs, and, of course, any mental health or personal issues issues you may face.
So while you may be an open person who feels comfortable telling everyone about how you “stank up the bathroom,” for instance, you should remain mindful of your surroundings and keep in mind that everyone is different.
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