4 Things You Shouldn't Say at Work

Just because you have a job doesn't mean that you aren't still looking. With the job market still struggling, many people who have been unhappy at their jobs for a few years are beginning to consider making a change. One of the biggest reasons unhappy employees give when asked why they want to find a new job is that they don't like their boss.



In a perfect world, we would all have supervisors who treat us with respect, who give us timely feedback and ones who encourage and motivate the team to achieve goals. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Sometimes, people get promoted and, while they are good at what they do, they don't always have the appropriate training or management skills to be an effective leader. Other times, employees are overworked, under-motivated and negativity sets in. When this continues for a long period of time, moral suffers and unhappiness sets in.



If you think that you are in this situation, sometimes the real solution isn't finding another job. While it might solve the problem in the short term, when the new job becomes a chore, the cycle will repeat itself. Instead, making changes in the way you think about your job and the manner in which you relate to your boss can actually make a long-term difference.



Here are 4 things you shouldn't say at work. If any of them sound familiar, it might be time to re-think your attitude and your work environment:



Did you hear about that guy in Accounting? - Don't spread gossip. When you repeat stories you hear second-hand, all you are doing is making yourself look bad and hurting a co-worker. At the time, it might seem like harmless water cooler chit-chat, but this type of gossip and rumor spreading can do real harm, both to your own reputation and the victim's career. Also, when you have the reputation for being a gossip, your fellow employees might want to hear all your news, but they won't trust or respect you. Next time you want to talk about someone, try to look for a positive. Instead of talking about what the guy in Accounting did, mention how someone is really working hard. Replace the negative gossip with positivity and people will hope that you'll talk about them.



I'm swamped. Ask someone else to do it. - You should never say this to your boss, but you should also try to not say this to a co-worker as well. When someone needs your help, do what you can to provide assistance. It might mean that you have to go out of your way and work a little harder, but being viewed as someone who is willing to pitch in, even when it's not their job, is always a good thing. Plus, when you help others, they will be more willing to help you with your work. Having a work environment where you feel valued and part of a team can increase your overall job satisfaction.



I'm so bored. - Most of the time, this is simply an empty complaint. Instead of saying that you're tired and don't want to be at work, it's easier to claim boredom. However, your boss, and your co-workers, don't want to hear you complain about your lack of work. If you are frequently bored and lack challenges, ask you supervisor for more work or offer to help out on other projects. There is nothing more damaging to your own happiness as feeling bored, with no real work to do, for a long period of time.



OMG! I was out so late last night partying. I just want a nap!! - If you made the decision to go out with your friends on a work night and stayed out super late, this isn't your co-workers problem. In fact, they probably won't think better of you if they knew how hung over you are. Instead of sharing your problem, drink some water and take some pain killers. It might not make it all better, but dealing with it in silence is better than making your late night activities fodder for office gossip.



What other things do you hear at the office? Please share your thought in the comments.