Words Are Not Sparrows: 7 Phrases You Should Never Say to Your Boss If You Don't Want to Dig Your Own Career Grave

Familiar scene: You’re standing by the water cooler, coffee in hand, your mind juggling deadlines, yesterday’s emails, and… echoes of that morning conversation with your boss. He said something, you replied — seemed harmless, but after his look, you wished you’d taken a diplomacy course.

Familiar scene: You’re standing by the water cooler, coffee in hand, your mind juggling deadlines, yesterday’s emails, and… echoes of that morning conversation with your boss. He said something, you replied — seemed harmless, but after his look, you wished you’d taken a diplomacy course.

Welcome to the corporate maze, where every word can either be your elevator to success or a permanent transfer to accounting.

Stop gambling with your fate. Here are 7 phrases that sound like career suicide. And yes, we’re not just criticizing — we’re offering solid, practical alternatives.

“I’m always available”

How it sounds: I have no personal life; take my soul too.
Better to say: “I’m fully engaged during work hours and ready to handle tasks.”
Why: Because we value productivity, not burnout.

“That’s not my job”

How it sounds: Let it burn, but not on my turf.
Better to say: “I haven’t dealt with this before, but I’m willing to learn if needed.”
Why: Flexibility isn’t weakness; it’s professional growth.

“That’s unfair”

How it sounds: I’m offended and about to throw a tantrum.
Better to say: “Could you explain the reasoning behind this decision? I want to understand.”
Why: Men solve problems; they don’t drown in complaints.

“Everything’s fine,” even though you’re on the edge

How it sounds: I’m tough… but about to explode.
Better to say: “I’m managing, but I’d appreciate some advice — I want to be precise.”
Why: Admitting struggles isn’t weakness, it’s control.

“I always do it this way, and it’s right”

How it sounds: I’m stuck in the past with a permanent marker.
Better to say: “This is my usual approach, but I’m open to other options.”
Why: Progress doesn’t like stubbornness.

“Why wasn’t I promoted? Didn’t you know?”

How it sounds: Mind reading didn’t work out.
Better to say: “I want to grow. What should I focus on to move forward?”
Why: Bosses like ambition, not passive drama.

“You figure it out yourselves”

How it sounds: The boss is a babysitter; I’m helpless.
Better to say: “I have three possible solutions — which do you prefer?”
Why: Initiative is the currency of the 21st century.