25 phrases that'll make everyone in the office hate you
Omer via flickr
Over the years I've destroyed a few workplace relationships without even realizing it. There are a few words and phrases that we're programmed to say on a day to day basis that prevent us from having strong relationships with our coworkers.
The average American spends 8.9 hours working per workday. Some of us entrepreneurs spend upwards of 12 hours.
Because of that, it's only natural that you would want to be as comfortable as possible at your workplace. And the best way to be comfortable at work is by building strong and healthy relationships with your colleagues.
Unfortunately, you can quickly ruin those workplace relationships by saying any the following 25 phrases.
Andy Wright/Flickr
1. 'I know, right?'
First off, do you really know what you're coworker is going through? There may be some circumstances that you can relate to them, but if you don't, you're coming off just a bit insincere. Obviously, if it's a scratch on a monitor that everyone gets, this phrase would not be offensive nor insincere. However, if it is an experience of feeling your coworker is having, that is another issue.
The other problem with this phrase is that you're feeding into their complaints and not helping them resolve the problem at hand.
2. 'Why?'
As Kira Asatryan says in "Psychology Today," "'Why' is the language of accusation ("Why did you do that?"; "Why do you feel that way?")."
Instead use "why" or "what" to help them understand the root of the problem. Kira suggests that you try "why" out on yourself. Like, "why did I just sit down? Why am I eating this?" A person will immediately notice themselves feeling defensive.
Try other words that indicate that you are willing to listen or that you want to understand what someone is thinking or feeling, such as, "What did I learn from this?" or "How would you do this project differently if given the chance?"
3. 'In my experience ... '
This phrase is basically letting your coworker that you know more than they do. A better approach may be to ask them a question like "Have you thought about...?" Or, "Could I help you with...?"
If you are older in the workforce, it just makes you look — well, older.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider