Twenty Words that You Should avoid using at Work Place

Here are a few corporate cliches that generally tend to annoy your co-workers. Avoid them if you can!

Not my fault

Pointing the finger at someone else to absolve yourself is a definite no-no. You just need to lay out the facts in a professional manner and then let your boss take the decision.

That’s not my problem' OR 'That’s not my job

Shirking responsibility is one of the easiest ways to drive your colleagues crazy. Instead, you need to rationally explain why it wasn’t possible for you to take up the task.

 

It’s not fair

Unless you want to appear extremely immature, avoid using this phrase where possible. If you feel you've been short-changed, reason with your co-workers and put your views across politely but firmly. 

 

I think…

This phrase makes you seem unsure about what you’re about to suggest and lacks conviction. If you feel your idea is positive, don’t be afraid to assert that fact in a professional manner. “I know…” or “I believe…” are much better alternatives.

 

No problem'

Even though this phrase may seem innocuous, it may lead your co-workers to think what you’re doing is a bit of a ‘problem,’ even though it happens to be your job. “It's my pleasure” or “I'll be happy to take care of that” or just “sure” are better alternatives.

 

I’ll try

When you’re given a task, ‘trying’ is not an option - or as Jedi master Yoda would say: "Do or do not, there is no try". It makes you sound unsure. In case you are apprehensive about the task at hand or the timeframe involved, you need to provide a rational explanation about why you think so.

 

Just...

Using “just” in a sentence like “can you just make a few copies of this document” can make you sound hesitant and, sometimes, even rude. Instead, use “please.”

 

Sorry, but…

There is absolutely no need to apologize for something you are about to say, especially if you think it adds value. Unless, of course, you are interrupting someone. Just go ahead and say whatever you have to.

 

Does that make sense?

This question makes you seem a little unsure of yourself and also gives the impression that you think you are a bit incoherent. “Let me know if you have any questions?” or “What are your thoughts?” convey exactly the same thing, but in a more confident manner.

 

Think outside the box

It’s high time you retire this tired cliche which can make your co-workers cringe. “Think differently” or “use your imagination” are so much simpler.

 

Low-hanging fruit

Another cringe-worthy phrase, it refers to a task which can be easily completed without too much effort, thus maximizing the returns when compared to the work being put in. You can make it simpler by saying that “the task can be done without too much fuss and returns can be maximized because…”

 

At the end of the day

Again, the idea is to keep it simple and not complicate matters by using unnecessary phrases. “Ultimately” or “finally’ are just so much better.

 

It's a paradigm shift

There’s no need to use complicated jargon to sound knowledgeable when alternatives like “fundamental change” or “major difference” can keep things straightforward.

 

Take it to the next level

This just sounds too wordy and it’s a lot simpler to just say, for example, “we need to achieve higher profit margins in the next quarter.”

 

Driven

There is absolutely no requirement for this overused buzzword since most of us would like to believe that we are ‘driven’ when we do our jobs.

 

Reach out

Why use it when you can use words like “contact,” “call,” “email” or even “speak”?

 

Deliver

Another overused buzzword which tends to unnecessarily complicate matters. For example, there is no need to use the term in a sentence like “you need to deliver three 1,800-word feature stories everyday.”

 

Touch base

This phrase should be restricted to the baseball field. A simple “let’s meet” or “let’s talk” is all it takes to convey the same message.

 

Quick question

Usually used when there’s a lack of a better term, it can easily be avoided. All you have to do is waiting for your opportunity and ask the question directly.

 

Let’s re-group

Why use fancy terminology when something like “let’s start over” makes it so much easier?