All of us make mistakes when dealing with our bosses. And if your boss is someone who gets a million mood swings, knowing what to say and what not to say and when is extremely difficult.

However, there are some standard statements that no boss appreciates. For example  It's impossible to do so much

Let’s accept that the task is indeed far from achievable but you need not throw up your hands and declare the same to your boss.

Chances are that the so-called ‘impossible’ task means a lot to him and starting off on a pessimistic note makes things even more difficult.

The least you can do is carry on for that moment and try and explain your point of view later. More so, go a step further and give alternate solutions

Is this it? I expected it to be a lot better

Get on the other side of the fence and you will know that it’s very difficult to meet up to your employees’ expectations.

However, it’s imperative, at least out of courtesy that you appreciate whatever little your boss does for you.

If he gets a new water cooler installed, appreciate the act. Don’t fuss if it doesn’t give out ice-cold water.

These unrealistic expectations and over-smart comments won’t do any good if you plan to be in the good books of your boss.

 

That's not my problem

Always remember, the higher the position, the more the responsibilities. There will be times when your boss is expected to pack in a lot more than he can handle.

Everybody needs assistance at such times and chances are, your boss is expecting you to do that extra bit and take on some added responsibility, even if the crisis doesn’t bother you directly.

Moreover, if the problem doesn’t bother you directly, your boss knows that.

This wasn't told to me during recruitment

Agreed, many things that your boss asks you to do may not have been put down in black and white in your offer letter.

But your offer letter also didn’t make a mention that you are free to use the office infrastructure as and when you please, be it getting free print outs, e-mailing your friends at odd hours or chatting 24/7.

Also, never start off a ‘job description’ argument. Chances are, you will never win.

How important is this task?

If your boss hasn’t made up his mind to make your life difficult, he won’t assign you a task that is not important.

No boss wants his employee to waste a day doing something that is of no consequence to the company.

That’s not what you are being paid for, right? So hold your inquisitive horses and do as told.

That's a very bad idea 

So when was the last time you came up with an idea that had everyone floored in the weekly meeting?

Your boss is no superman and will have his/her share of dumb ideas. But that’s something that you need not tell him very openly.

You may be voicing an honest opinion but let’s face it, your boss has a certain ego and rubbing it the wrong way is big mistake.

There’s a correct time and place for everything.

We should hook up on orkut/facebook

No, you shouldn't, ever! What if your Boss is not interested in sharing his/her social life with his employees?

Just because he hasn’t put that down on the office notice board doesn’t mean you do everything possible under the sun to get into his personal space.

Many feel that having a personal rapport with the boss will add brownie points in their career.

However, in that case, wait for your boss to make the first move.

Drunk last night that...

You want to strike an informal conversation with your boss and the first thing that comes to your mind is that extremely exciting (or shall we say embarrassing) incident when you created a scene at the local bar after gulping down half a dozen beer bottles.

You think it was ‘cool’ and ‘macho’ but for your boss, it’s an indicator that you can’t keep your personal and professional life apart.

Brag about such misadventures and your boss will think twice before giving you any responsibility.

I don't get paid enough

Then please quit and make space for someone who is a little more thankful towards this job.’

That’s the standard, ready-made and impulsive response that any boss will give unless he is extremely desperate to keep you on board. Statements like these serve no purpose.

They only bring out your frustration and convey how unhappy you are in your job. Even if that’s the case, you don’t let your boss know because the next time you fail to meet a deadline, the incompetence will be seen in connection with the ‘salary’ excuse.

Sigh!

 long sigh is seen as a sign of annoyance and being fed up. So, a sigh coming out from you won’t be seen as any exception.

Also, a confused sigh is something that leaves many-a-things open for your boss’ personal interpretation. Few things in life are as risky as that.

Courtesy: TOI