In today’s workplace, a single poorly chosen phrase can haunt your career longer than that regrettable haircut from your ID badge. Whether you’re in the office or working remotely, these phrases are the verbal equivalent of showing up to a client meeting in your pajamas. Here’s what to never let slip past your lips if you want to be taken seriously at work.
1. “That’s Not My Problem.”
This phrase signals you’re not a team player and don’t care about company success. Even if something isn’t your direct responsibility, dismissing it completely is unprofessional. Save your boundaries for private conversations with your manager. If you can’t help, offer to connect them with someone who can.
2. “I’m So Hungover/Drunk/High.”
Never broadcast your after-hours activities at work, especially anything involving substances. This isn’t college and being impaired isn’t a badge of honor. It makes you look unprofessional and unreliable. Keep your weekend adventures to yourself unless you want them mentioned in your performance review.
3. “Let Me Play Devil’s Advocate.”
This phrase usually precedes someone being deliberately difficult or contrary. If you have legitimate concerns, express them directly and constructively. Playing devil’s advocate in meetings wastes everyone’s time and marks you as an obstacle rather than a contributor. Save the debate club tactics for your personal time.
4. “No Offense, But…”
Everything after this phrase is guaranteed to cause offense. If you have to preface your statement with this disclaimer, you probably shouldn’t say it at all. Professional feedback should be constructive and specific, not prefaced with warnings. Either find a tactful way to express your concern or keep it to yourself.
5. “That’s Not My Job.”
Even if it’s technically true, this phrase marks you as someone unwilling to grow or help the team. Every workplace remembers the people who dodge responsibility. Instead of shutting down opportunities, frame it as a discussion about workload or training needs. This is about being seen as someone who can handle challenges professionally. Your reputation is built on these small moments.
6. “I Don’t Get Paid Enough For This.”
Even if you’re being paid in pocket lint and empty promises, announcing it makes you look unprofessional. Yes, you might be underpaid and overworked, but broadcasting it doesn’t fix anything. This phrase marks you as difficult and entitled, even when you’re right. Save these discussions for salary negotiations or job interviews at other companies. Your frustration is valid, but there are more strategic ways to address it.
7. “Did You Hear About [Office Drama]?”
Sure, gossiping at work might seem harmless and entertaining, but it can explode in your face at any moment. Everything you say will eventually make its way back to the person you’re talking about. This kind of chatter marks you as untrustworthy and unprofessional. Plus, you never know when today’s coworker becomes tomorrow’s supervisor.
8. “Well, We’ve Always Done It This Way.”
This phrase might as well be a neon sign saying “I’m resistant to change.” It shows you’re more committed to comfort than improvement. Innovation and adaptation are crucial in today’s workplace, and this statement marks you as someone stuck in the past. Instead, either embrace the change or offer constructive alternatives based on your experience.
9. “I’ll Try.”
This passive phrase screams “I probably won’t do it but don’t want to say no.” It undermines confidence in your abilities and commitment. Either commit to doing something or have an honest conversation about why you can’t. “I’ll try” is the corporate equivalent of a teenager’s eye roll. Instead, be clear about what you can deliver and when.
10. “That’s Not Fair.”
Life isn’t fair, and neither is work. This phrase makes you sound childish and unprofessional. Even if something is genuinely unfair, saying it outright won’t help your case. Focus on finding solutions or presenting objective concerns instead of emotional reactions. Document issues and address them through proper channels.
11. “I Can’t Stand [Coworker’s Name].”
Never verbalize your personal feelings about colleagues, especially negatively. These comments have a way of surfacing at the worst possible moments. If you have legitimate concerns about a coworker, address them through proper channels. Keep your personal feelings about colleagues to yourself or your therapist.
12. “I Don’t Have Time For This.”
Everyone’s busy—announcing it just makes you look ineffective at managing your workload. If you’re genuinely swamped, have a professional discussion about priorities and deadlines. Dismissing tasks or people as not worth your time paints you as arrogant and uncooperative. A simple “Let me check my current priorities” works better.
13. “It’s Not Rocket Science.”
This dismissive phrase belittles others’ learning processes and makes you look condescending. What’s obvious to you might be new to someone else. Remember when you didn’t know what you know now? Making others feel stupid isn’t a leadership quality. Instead, be patient and supportive when explaining things.
14. “Does Anyone Actually Care About This?”
Even if a task seems pointless, questioning its value publicly is unprofessional. Someone cares, or it wouldn’t be happening. If you have concerns about project value, raise them constructively in appropriate settings. This kind of cynicism spreads negativity and marks you as difficult.
15. “Per My Last Email…”
We get it—you’re frustrated someone didn’t read your previous message. But this passive-aggressive phrase has become corporate code for “Are you stupid?” There are better ways to reference previous communications. Simply restating the information keeps things professional without the snark.
