What are the Top Phrases Required to be Avoided in Effective Communication with Corporate Executives?
Along with the positives—like getting to know your audience and tailoring your content to meet their needs—there are definite communication “don’ts” that can make or break your effectiveness. To maximize your career success, avoid the following 10 phrases from your workplace vocabulary: “I can’t do that” or “That’s impossible” or “That can’t be done.” Even though you may feel this way on the inside, these negative phrases are perceived by others as pessimistic, unconstructive, and even stubborn. Your boss, peers, and customers most likely want to hear what CAN be done. Instead say, “I’ll be glad to check on that for you” or “What I can do is…” or “Because of company policy, what I CAN do is…” “ You should have…” or “You could have…” or You ought to have... The words “should”, “could”, and “ought” imply blame, finger-pointing and fault. There’s no quicker way to upset a boss, colleague, or customer than to suggest they’re guilty of something (even if they are). I