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20 Polite But Still Savage Ways To Tell Off Your Coworkers Or Boss Without Getting Fired
Interview With Author
Like slang, corporate jargon is driven by trends and evolves over time. For example, "bleeding edge" has basically replaced "cutting edge" to signify the latest innovation. So if someone wants to master it, they need to stay updated.
Content creator Professor Corporate is here to help. He regularly translates English phrases for setting boundaries, telling off annoying bosses, and other useful situations into this intricate language, arming everyone with the essential linguistic tools for surviving in the office.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
This is how you say I f*****g quit because you're a sh**ty manager, but in corporate.
-Fortunately, I've decided to pursue a new opportunity. While I've enjoyed most of my time here, I simply don't feel I've had adequate enough support from either yourself or other members of leadership. I wish we could have found a way to make this work, but I simply don't feel like there's been enough time and commitment put into my own growth and development.
-While I've decided to take on a new opportunity. I do want to give you feedback that your management style is one of the driving forces in my departure. So I highly encourage you to take that into account for the next person
Sven Horlemann 1 year ago
As a corporate manager for 23 years, I bow my head in respect. Just... wonderful.
Marie BellaDonna 1 year ago
Would you mind reading my comment, and giving me your opinion on it?
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Rhonda Allen 1 year ago
If you’re going to be snarky, ESPECIALLY if it’s justified, don’t say “adequate enough” . Just use one or the other, but not both. Using both reflects badly on your verbal skills. Don’t make them feel justified. Seriously just trying to help. It’s a corporate bloodbath out there.
Ann Coffman 1 year ago
Yep, "adequate support". Drop the enough, unneeded.
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Rhonda Allen 1 year ago
Also… Aways proofread a rant. Grammatical errors suck the power right out of a perfectly timed and otherwise strong statement. “While I've decided to take on a new opportunity. (USE A COMMA, NOT A PERIOD HERE) I do want to give you feedback that your management style is one of the driving forces in my departure.
AMaureen Dance 1 year ago (edited)
Make sure to send the former boss a case of cream for that burn.
RELATED:
#2
"Help me understand"
If somebody doesn’t know what the f**k they’re doing, are intentionally ignoring your instructions, you can say something like, ‘help me understand where the disconnect is’.
Or if you’re somebody that’s struggling to get a raise or promotion, you could say your manager ‘help me understand what exactly it’ll take me to get to the next level.’
Or if you know somebody is full of s**t, and you just don’t agree with them. You can say something like, 'help me understand your thought process here because now they actually have to explain their rationale. If there was any. You know, because good employees give people the benefit of the doubt.'
Kat K 1 year ago
One of the only ones here that I could use IRL. Enough pass-agg to feel satisfying, but not so that the opponent could be sure. The other suggestions are not "corporate", just rude.
Mark 1 year ago
Some definately are varied levels of passive aggressive but it is still a polite way of saying the boss is terrible.
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Riley Quinn 1 year ago
These pointers also work in personal relationships, be they marriage, family, or friends.
Nina Rahima 1 year ago
I have used this" help me understand this-response for many years now, it always brings in kindness between us
Mark 1 year ago
For what I call reasonable EQ peopl3 this will work. I've had good bosses when I've made the stuff up (when I stuff, i feel bad and I apologize as well as admit my stuff up and my remorse is very obvious) "sorry it was probably my bad communication". In some cases it was because I didn't understand fully (I have some neurological issues but it isn't obvious to those who don't know me). So it's good we both own and try not to point the finger. This btw is great leadership that garrenties an empathic employee wants to make a GOOD boss happy.
Ellen Blackstone 1 year ago
I once told a colleague: It's not that I don't understand you -- it's that I don't AGREE with you. / I think she got it..
Jon Steensen 1 year ago (edited)
I also like the term: "I simply don't see how..." which is the constructive way to say no to something. It says: "I want to help you, and it is not me ,but the circumstances, you must blame when you can't have it your way. If you challenge people, and make them jump mental hoops by explaining exactly how/why their demands are resonable you can get them to turn away from an idea without seeming like the bad guy. It is a common technic in e.g. hostage negociations to stress the terrorists into changing their demands, whitout them becomming angry at you. When it is the situation that is impossible to deal with, it is much harder to place the blame. E.g. I want to pay the ransom, but how do you expect me to come up with 1 mio in cash tommorrow, when the banks and the ATM's won't give me more than 1000 a day? Make them work for it, while only experience failure after failure, until they realise that they have to lower their demands or give up.
"My proficiency in corporate talk comes from experience," the content creator told Bored Panda. "I've been in the corporate world, including retail and tech industries, for about 11 years."
"Like many others, when I first started working, I was usually the one that was bullied, the one that wasn't treated with respect, the one that was being underpaid, and the one that was simply being exploited, no matter how hard I worked," he revealed.
But there's only so much one can take. "I quickly got tired of being passed up for promotions and raises that I knew I deserved and was determined to find a new path. This is when I started studying higher-ups and executives at these companies to understand what they were doing differently."
This was when Professor Corporate began to think that a substantial portion of them weren't in their positions because of their skills or experience. "Frankly many of them were not that great at all. But what they were good at was optics. They knew how to look and talk the part. This realization is what made me focus on improving how I communicated because it is all a part of the game that is Corporate America."
#3
Here is how to say “I don’t get paid to do your f*cking job” at work in corporate.
-Love to continue helping but my bandwidth no longer permits it.
-I wish I could help, but I'm currently occupied with other obligations that I'm directly responsible for.
-Love to help but given this falls outside of my scope of responsibilities, I'd love to make sure that we follow this with a more formal conversation about how my role may evolve. This way we can make sure that I'm being fairly compensated for tasks like this moving forward.
Triv 1 year ago
Not really, because if they're that much of a c**p person that you feel the need to put them off, then I definitely would not wish that I could help.
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CanadianDimes 1 year ago
Had to say something similar yesterday: "I'm sorry, that's no longer my job and I don't have the capacity to do that."
Karen Bryan 1 year ago
I hope my Higher Power will never let me use the word "bandwidth" unless I m specifically talking about computing
Ellen Blackstone 1 year ago
And then, there's Phoebe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n780KlqdEwE
Jon Steensen 1 year ago
Yeah another strategy when someone wants to taskdump at your desk is to say: "sure I can take on this task, but do you want task A, task B or task C postponed as a result of it? It is far too easy to spot the advantage of doing something, without realising the cost of it, as it is often better hidden. You don't nessesarily know everything said employee is already doing, and hence you don't have a good sense on how heavily they are already loaded when you just want this small task done. But if you as the employee just uncritically accept everything being dumped on you, you are going to become overloaded and will drop some balls at some point. ...and those balls better be the least important ones.
Katherine Freeman 1 year ago
when a task outside of your duties is asked of you, ask them what your compensation will be before proceeding. this is sure to put a stop to that or open the door for salary negotiations. or, you get to find out (and your employer gets to find out) just how much your work means to {company}
Riley Quinn 1 year ago
That's above my paygrade has always worked for non-corporate me. I'll do extra work in a pinch if a co-worker is out or some similar reason, but ongoing extra work requires a financial incentive.
Danish Susanne 1 year ago
I was once asked to do someone else's work in a way that made it impossible to just refuse, so I said Yes as soon as I have time. Of course I didn't have time, so he took it back to do it himself eventually.
Mark 1 year ago
1 I have heard from my wife who is in the corperate/psychology world is "I'm at capacity". In some cases it can mean they genuinely are too busy but most of the time it means "I rather not do that cos I simply don't want to". She has hadto deal with people pulling that game ALOT
#4
Here is how to say “keep my name out your f*****g mouth” at work in corporate.
-Hey, thanks for catching up. It's been brought to my attention that there's been a few side conversation where my name has been brought up, but I haven't been looped in. So I thought we'd have a conversation directly.
-Help me understand your point of view because the only way we're going to come to a resolution is if you speak with me directly.
-Moving forward, if you have any feedback about myself or the team, I would expect that you share it in the appropriate channels.
Caroline Overill 1 year ago
Are you absolutely sure "If you don't stop bad mouthing me I'm gonna beat the c**p out of you." wouldn't work..............damn!
Mark 1 year ago
Ah I'm blunt there (this btw gets me respect because I'm honest without being a complete AH). "Please understand that I am always upfront and honest with you and others and have the humility to accept polite criticism even if I don't like it. Because it's honest. So I ask you to please give me rhe respect to approach me about things?". This is as polite as I can be as well as polite as anyone should be when dealing with rumors and behind the back stuff the person d9esnt want to say to you for whatever reason. If they continue then it's time to leave because nobody should haveto deal with a toxic environment. Plus those same people would hate it being done to them so if rhwy do what they wpuld hate than it's a bad environment for you
Last year, the e-learning platform Preply polled over 1,000 working Americans about their feelings on corporate jargon, and the results clearly showed that they would prefer less of it, especially in job postings.
Respondents to the survey found "like a family" to be the most annoying phrase — with 38% of votes — followed closely by "fast-paced environment" — 37%.
Just over a quarter of respondents reported that they encounter corporate jargon multiple times a day through various means of communication, mostly in emails, then in-person meetings, and instant messaging, but significantly less on phone or video calls, the survey indicated.
#5
This is how you say I don't know who the f**k you think you're talking to, but you better stop talking to me like I'm stupid. But in corporate.
-I'm not totally clear on why you're sharing information that I'm already well aware of. So can you please elaborate?
-I appreciate the reminder. But have I given you any reason to suspect that I don't have a handle on things as I want to make sure there's no miscommunication?
-If you have any feedback for me, it's in both of our best interest for you to share it directly as I could help resolve any misunderstandings that you may have.
Kare Deter 1 year ago
One of my fondest memories was having a new hire at one position very carefully explain to me documented instructions on a procedure he was convinced I was doing incorrectly. I just looked at him and said "yeah, I know. *pointed to my name* I wrote that". I don't think he ever talked to me again.
Mark 1 year ago
Mine is "I give you respect upfornt just as I give everyone respect upfront, so please give me the same. Sounds fair yeah". This is respectful and to the point. If they don't like it, leave. I've hadto do it a number of times and aside for a tiny amount of occasions (those have simply turned into them receiving the same respect they give l, so if it's disrespect they give I eventually give it in return) it's worked well. By the time I haveto have rhe conversation it's always been because I've allowed it for too long so this is a sinple easy to understand and polite warning that I've had enough disrespect and abuse (I'm kind to everyone so I hate being put in that position)
#6
This is how you say please stop micromanaging me, or else, but in corporate.
-If there's anything that's given you any indication that I need any additional supervision, please let me know so I can put your mind at ease.
-I appreciate your support, but I want to make sure that your time is better utilised. So feel free to roll off of this one.
- Huh, I guess I'm just a bit confused. I trust that when you hired me you understood that I was fully capable of handling this on my own. Unless of course you're questioning your own judgement.
Cas P 1 year ago
All of these are rude and not corporate. They will get you marked as a troublemaker and the first to be identified for any potential redundancies.
T J R 1 year ago
I totally agree!!! Those statements will have you in a 1:1 meeting about your negative attitude REAL quick!
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Mark 1 year ago
Few and far between times have I ever been micro managed but it is always the same person (seriously this has happened only at 1 company and it's always the same person who does it just because he wants people to read his mind instead of giving clear and nonconforming instructions) and I can put up with it when it's valid. But when it isn't or contradictory I will say "mate this is what I'm doing, why im doing it and why I will do it this way, because you want me to do it the hard and long way, so leave it be and let me do this instead of holding me up?". He will storm off at that point, but the task get done super quickly and we'll so he has nothing to complain about which btw annoys him even more (he tends to give contradictory and/or half explanations that make no sense to even people who've worked him for decades. So it's his way of finding a way to critisise others and abuse them. So he hates it because he can't abuse me for doing it well
Robert Beveridge 1 year ago
I would not be able to resist continuing "roll off" with "a short pier", unfortunately
Jon Steensen 1 year ago
refering to effectiveness or productivity is always a good option. E.g. I believe that I am fully capable of handling this task on my own, and think that I could perform better and finish it even faster if we made an effort to reduce the constant interruptions. How about we give it a go for a period and then evaluate the result?. Calling it a test makes it less of commitment for the boss, and hence it is easier to have it your way as he will feel that he has less at stake.
KatSaidWhat 1 year ago
I appreciate the extra time you are putting towards my supervision; I hope it's not to the detriment of your own workload.
Gordon Hall 1 year ago
Micromanagers are just born that way and will never stop, no matter how you try to talk them out of it.
Lisa Rogalsky 1 year ago
I wonder if it’s because they know that they don’t know how to lead, and worry about reputation with upper mgmnt. more than the team
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Barbara Kelly 1 year ago
The last response seems to be an unnecessary shot which could start World War III in the workplace. There are things such as Tact and Diplomacy!
Load More Replies...Professor Corporate believes that being well-versed in corporate talk gives an employee an advantage over those who are not. "If hard work was all it took to be successful in corporate, we would have vastly different c-suites and board rooms," he said. "Working hard is the myth middle management will preach to you to keep you running on their hamster wheel."
"Is it an important factor? Absolutely. But there is a lot more to it. Whether we like it or not, speaking a certain way commands a level of respect that will impact how people interact with you, what opportunities are presented to you and even how much money you will end up making."
According to the content creator, "we all wish we could work in environments where we can be extremely blunt and direct, but I think we all have stories of where this has backfired quickly. Those environments are just too rare to expect to be the norm."
"Corporate talk enables you to convey your points in a way that is more socially acceptable without repercussion (or at least less likely). You can either complain about it and get nowhere or play the game better than the ones using it you take advantage of you. I choose the latter," he explained.
#7
This is how you say respectfully, go f**k yourself, but in corporate.
-I'm sorry, it seems like we're getting off track and I want to make sure that we're making the most efficient use of everyone's time. So can you trim out the extra details and focus only on the primary points?
-Your opinion isn't one that's actively being sought after at this point in time, but we'll be sure to follow up should anything change.
-This requires a level of expertise that you're not adequately equipped with. So while I appreciate your desire to be involved, your systems won't be required at this time.
Mark 1 year ago
Now this is true. Anyone who has a tiny amount of EQ will see it as the passive aggression it is and as a result doing this makes you a target there after. Find a way to divert and avoid or simply look for another job if it's that bad. Because in some circumstances if you pull that stuff you'll be unemployed before you finish rhe sentence
Load More Replies... Robert Beveridge 1 year ago
The only proper way to say "go f**k yourself" in the corporate world is "per my last email"
Duxall Inarow 1 year ago
Shocked at the number of people who don't get that this is supposed to be edgy and humorous, NOT a roadmap to "How to Be a Jerk."
Barbara Kelly 1 year ago
The third response seems to me unnecessarily hurtful. It points to a perceived deficiency in the person's knowledge and/or abilities; very wounding if said in a group/public situation. Could reflect badly on the speaker. It would be kinder to say something like : Thanks for your offer to help. We'll think it over and contact you if your help is needed.
Kelley Baltierra 1 year ago
I have to agree that most of these (not just this section) are just rude
#8
This is not to say with all I do around here, you would think you'd f****g appreciate me a little more, but in corporate.
-Yeah, of course I'd be happy to help. But before we do that, let's make sure that we prioritise a conversation around how this aligns with my career growth.
-Could you help me understand whether the projects I'm currently working on are impactful? I only ask because I haven't felt like there's been much recognition and I want to make sure I understand where that's coming from.
-Please don't mistake my willingness to take on more as a reflection of my own wants as if there isn't proper acknowledgement moving forward, I will have to adjust accordingly.
Stephen Hutchison 1 year ago
Because it doesn't work. Using corporate-ese warns them that you are planning to go over their heads with their management and/or HR.
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The US Foreign Service Institute (FSI) divides languages into 4 groups of difficulty for speakers.
FSI research indicates that, on average, it takes an English speaker 24 to 30 weeks (600-750 class hours) to achieve proficiency in Category I languages (those that are similar to English, for example, Danish, Swedish, and Romanian) and 88 weeks (or 2200 class hours) in Category 4 (Arabic, Japanese, Korean).
Professor Corporate said learning corporate speak can feel daunting but it's easier than most realize. "Confidence comes from exposure, experience, and repetition."
"I was in the fortunate position to be surrounded by people who spoke like this and observing how and why they used certain words was something I used to mirror."
#9
This is how you say respectfully shut the f**k up. But in corporate.
-You seem to have quite a strong point of view for someone missing the necessary context.
-Your point of view is valued but now's not the time or place.
-If you're going to speak over me, please ensure that there's substance that you plan to offer as to not derail the conversation.
A.M. Pierre 1 year ago
Well definitely softer, all those still sound to me like things only a boss could get away with saying. Is it just me?
T J R 1 year ago
That first statement definitely comes across as one that will immediately cause the other person to go on defense, leading to a major argument.
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SirWriteALot 1 year ago
No, these are just STFUs with more words. Don't say this unless you're either the boss or don't mind starting a fight.
#10
This is how you say when the f**k are you giving me a raise, but in corporate.
-Hey, thanks for catching up. I wanted to have a conversation to discuss my performance. As you know, career growth is something that's extremely important to me and I wanted to discuss a potential timeline and make sure that we were on the same page.
-While I appreciate the added responsibilities, I'd love to understand the bigger picture of how and when this will translate into a more formal opportunity either via a raise or a promotion.
-Hey, so it's been a while since we had our initial conversation around performance and since then, I've either met or surpassed all expectations, and I'd love to better understand how this will impact my compensation moving forward, if I'm gonna stay committed.
Me. Just Me. 1 year ago
That second one is too open-ended. Don't think for a minute that they won't consider the "or" in that phrase to mean give you a promotion and no increase in compensation.
Stan Chung 1 year ago
I'm beginning to understand career growth is linked to compensation. Promotion doesn't necessarily mean +$ in some places.
rex fermier 1 year ago
The third one is just a VERY thinly veiled threat. You're not fooling anyone.
It's important to set yourself up for success. "The main way to learn is to start slowly. You don't need to completely change your vocabulary overnight," Professor Corporate highlighted. "Start by implementing a few new words or phrases in your day-to-day work day and it will become natural over time."
"Another tip is to start with written communication. Practice in your emails (and even text messages if you want to annoy people). But otherwise, there aren't many resources I've found to be too helpful personally, which was a driving force of why I created my account and why I created the community we've built called the Corporate Clapback Academy."
For everyone interested, Professor Corporate will be soon offering more formal training, including eBooks and personalized consultations. Anyone interested can sign up for updates here.
#11
This is how you say you better stop trying to throw me under the bus because you might get run over first, but in corporate.
-Before we jump into feedback, why don't we recap everyone's roles and responsibilities. This way we can accurately allocate said feedback.
-Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to work with you moving forward, but I'd be happy to reconsider as soon as you acknowledge and take ownership of your shortcomings.
-No, it's totally understandable that you're afraid of taking accountability as a typically requires a level of maturity only obtained at more senior levels. And if it wasn't already as obvious to the team, I might be a bit more concerned, but at this stage, I'm more concerned about your reputation.
Robert Beveridge 1 year ago
Nah, just make sure you've gotten everything in writing, and bring printouts. Have we learned nothing from r/antiwork?
Stan Chung 1 year ago
Had a boss who would regularly throw us under the bus. LOL. He got caught by even bigger bosses. It was a beautiful moment!
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#12
This is how you say if you don't f****g know how to be a good manager, just say that, but in corporate.
-I'd be happy to jump on this. But since there hasn't been any formal training on this, do you mind walking me through it the first time, you know, this way I can model it after someone who knows what they're doing.
-I appreciate that you want to help but I don't actually need assistance on the task itself. But where I would need your support is to help unblock challenges that are outside of my control.
-It's important for me to understand that my manager is invested in my career growth and thus far I haven't felt adequate support on that front as we haven't had any career conversations. So moving forward, I'd like to ensure that this is something that we can prioritise.
#13
This is how you say you better watch your f*****g tone when you talk to me, but in corporate.
-Help me understand what you wish to accomplish by raising your voice.
-I understand that you believe you're correct but simply asserting so doesn't make it so.
-If you want to be taken seriously please check your emotions at the door and then we can resume.
Barbara Kelly 1 year ago
We can achieve much more by not raising our voices or letting emotions get in the way of a productive discussion .
Sheena Leversedge Wood 1 year ago
you want to see a man go bright red, when he raises his voice, tell him calmly that you would be happy to revisit this discussion when he's feeling less emotional. hilarious.
#14
This is how you say sorry, I can't come to the phone right now or answer any of your messages because I'm on vacation, but in corporate.
-Hey, just as a reminder, I'm heading out on PTO next week. So if there's anything you need, please let me know now as I'll be fully off the grid.
-Hey, yeah, actually, I'm not going to be able to help with that. And I was just calling to say that I would greatly appreciate if you gave me the space to fully disconnect as intended. Otherwise, I just won't be able to operate at my best capacity upon my return. I appreciate your understanding in advance.
Frank Russell 1 year ago
Let it go to voicemail. After a couple tries they'll get the picture.
Sven Horlemann 1 year ago
I am on airplane mode when on vacation. Then again, I am in Europe, and acceptance of this is different than in the US, I guess.
AMaureen Dance 1 year ago
If the company uses your personal phone number to reach you, check the caller id before answering. If it's a dedicated work number, leave it at the office.
#15
This is how to say I don't know who the f**k you think you're talking to, but you're going to stop talking down to me, but in corporate.
-Sure, I'd be happy to take a look, but I'm not gonna be able to drop what I'm doing currently. So why don't you go ahead and find some time on my calendar.
-I appreciate your point of view. But your experience doesn't quite translate to what we're working on.
-I respect that you've been here for a while. But the whole reason we're in this predicament in the first place is because we haven't had space for new ideas. So please allow others to speak as you've had ample opportunity.
Barbara Kelly 1 year ago
It is hard to see how these responses relate to "talking down" to a colleague. "Talking down" IMO refers to being condescending, treating the other as deficient in knowledge or skills or character.
#16
This is how you say sorry, but I'm not your f****g friend, but in corporate.
-So I'm not quite sure where the disconnect is, but our relationship outside of these walls is non existent.
-Yeah, it's just that in order for me to be most effective here, it's important that we keep our relationship professional at all times, though we can revisit at some point in the future.
-I appreciate you sharing, I really do, but these are conversations that you should only feel comfortable sharing with friends or family, neither of which colleagues such as myself, fall under.
Barbara Kelly 1 year ago
Thanks for your trust in me. I'd like us to focus on our work together here. I hope that you will have a friend to discuss these personal concerns with.
#17
This is how you say Stop f**king with me because I promise you're gonna regret it, in corporate.
-I couldn't help but notice that you've been distributing work that you're responsible for. And while I'd love to help, we're going to have to realign.
-You seem to be under the impression that because I'm new, I want to voice my opinion and I'd be more than happy to correct that misconception.
-Sharing your feedback publicly before coming to me directly shows an inability on your end to handle conflict, which is a common problem for more junior employees and I'd be more than happy to work with you on this area of development.
Barbara Kelly 1 year ago
# 3 = breeding anger and resentment on the part of the listener. "I need you to stop sharing feedback publicly before coming directly to me. I will be happy to help you work on this". No need to disparage the person or the cohort of junior employees .
#18
This is how you say Stop f*****g gossiping about me, but in corporate.
-I'm a bit confused why I'm a topic of conversation for you ,but if there's anything you'd like to learn more about my calendar is open.
-It doesn't bother me. But I do want to make sure that you understand that spreading narratives that are verifiably untrue is only going to reflect poorly on you.
-It's come to my attention that you're the source of feedback that's been circulating around me so I decided to book us a one on one so that we could address it directly in case you were too intimidated.
Sinister Murder 1 year ago
"It doesn't bother me, but ..." is corporate for: "I'm crying in my car before I'm off the parking lot." I am not sure if that would be what you want to convey.
Barbara Kelly 1 year ago
In the 3rd comment, "in case you were too intimidated" is an unnecessary burn, not helpful in resolving the issue.
Naomie Moore 1 year ago
My method was to give them enough rope and they will hang themselves . . . Every single time. Not instant gratification, but the dirt always comes out in the wash.
#19
This is how you say I can see right through you and you better stop being two faced, but in corporate.
-You seem to have multiple narratives depending on who you're speaking with, so help me understand the disconnect.
-In order to maintain credibility with me, you're going to need to ensure that your point of view isn't as fragile as it currently stands.
-You seem to have the habit of sharing information we've discussed in confidence with others, which is typically a sign of someone that is intellectually intimidated and I apologise for that. It won't happen again.
Barbara Kelly 1 year ago
#3 is a verbal hand grenade. It would be more effective to say that the person has shared confidential information inappropriately and that they will no longer be given confidential information.
#20
This is how you say you better f****g stop trying to make me look bad before we have a problem, but in corporate.
-There's been multiple occasions now where you've decided to speak out of turn and I'd appreciate if you gave me the respect and space to speak uninterrupted.
-If your plan is to continue to interject and make sure that your point of view isn't just based on your feelings and is backed by facts.
-I hate to be the one to inform you but your attempts to publicly criticise me won't overcompensate for your lack of abilities.
Naomie Moore 1 year ago
And it gets crazy, like watching a tennis match. Pull up a chair and I will get us some snacks.
Load More Replies... In both the content creator Kayla Avery's and Professor Corporate's discussions, there is an emphasis on using language strategically to navigate the intricacies of office dynamics. Mastering corporate-speak not only allows employees to effectively communicate without stepping on toes but can also be a potent tool for maintaining professionalism.
For more on the transformative power of using the right words at work, consider delving into how insults can be strategically masked as respectful phrases.
What do you think ?
Data1001 1 year ago
These are all really freakin' brutal. I think there are less abrasive ways to get your message across. Because the "without getting fired" part of the article's headline is kind of laughable -- I feel like a lot of these would create a very confrontational work environment which may very well lead to them canning you eventually. If things are that bad that you have to resort to these sorts of comments, you should probably be looking for another gig.
Shaun Coleman 1 year ago (edited)
No. You have to be brutal because they are all a bunch of a******s and they will screw you over any chance they get. There is no loyalty. You are nothing but an expense on a ledger. They care nothing about you. Always have your CV upto date and always have somewhere to go. Corporate America is run by and for a******s. It's called Human Resources because they will strip mine you like coal.
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Apatheist Account2 1 year ago
I said to my boss: "I really need to talk to you about why our office is constantly so draughty". He said "Sure, my door is always open..."
Itsmeagain 1 year ago
I don't see any of these as helpful to either party. Surely there is room for direct speech instead of all this flowery-beating-around-the-bush c**p! Back in the day when I worked in an office we just said what we wanted to say in a firm polite manner and that was it. I don't see why people should have to learn a whole new language to work with obvious idiots.
Livingwithcfs 1 year ago
It's a bad sign if you need to use corporate language to say back off to someone at a workplace. Calmly saying, I feel .... because from what I understand this ..... is happening. Can you please explain why and what needs to change so it doesn't happen again. It's amazing how this can work in 90% of situations from gossip to asking for a raise. It's not confrontational, it gives room for conversation and it clearly allows you to say how you feel. It's also an adult way of dealing with conflict
Shaun Coleman 1 year ago
I love to rephrase it in plain English and see the uncomfortable looks. Having worked long enough to be able to retire is quite liberating. At this point, I am just doing it for fun.
Natalie Doran 1 year ago
Things I wish I knew how to say in corporate: -I've already told you leaving me to run the entire department by myself during the busiest hours of the day is a sh*tty thing to do -Must be exhausting watching everyone else do all the f*cking work -Could I maybe get paid more when I do more than everyone else?
Sinister Murder 1 year ago
First ask yourself: what is it that I want to achieve? If you want the person to assist you during the busiest hours, you ask just that: Can you assist me in the department during the busiest hours? If you want them not only stand by and actually do things, it is best to give them tasks, like: can you help me with this? Or: can you do that for me? Or: would you be so kind as to help that customer, for i am occupied. If you want a raise, ask just that: Can I talk to you about my raise? And explain why you think you've earned it. The same goes for a promotion.
Load More Replies... T J R 1 year ago
Based on these statements, I've been doing quite well in the corporate world. Example: I stand up while working and can see my boss sitting at her desk. One morning I noticed that her hair was sticking up and looking a mess. I sent her a ping saying, "Ummm lady, you might want to grab a mirror and fix your hair because it's looking a hot mess ;)" She laughed, I laughed, she fixed her hair, I told her it was good.
CanadianDimes 1 year ago
One really powerful thing I learned years ago is not to say "but". If I can't avoid it, I used "however" or "although". The best option is to use "and". The difference is between: "I appreciate your input but now is not the time to deal with that" and "I appreciate your input and now is not the time to deal with that". It puts the conversation on a more even keel and makes it less likely that the listener will get defensive because they aren't being told their needs don't matter (even if their needs don't actually matter).
Scotira 1 year ago
Jup, same goes for the German word "aber". I try to avoid it in either language. "But" usually negates everything that has come before it. "Not to be rude but blablabla (followed by something rude). Or "It doesn't bother me but ... (followed by what ist bothersome to you). This level of communication awareness and the knowledge about how certain words impact is needed when talking corporate however I know that's not the way it usually is. This level of communication is also needed in psychotherapy. Patients WILL weigh your every word! And one wrong word or phrase can cause an episode.
Load More Replies... Data1001 1 year ago
These are all really freakin' brutal. I think there are less abrasive ways to get your message across. Because the "without getting fired" part of the article's headline is kind of laughable -- I feel like a lot of these would create a very confrontational work environment which may very well lead to them canning you eventually. If things are that bad that you have to resort to these sorts of comments, you should probably be looking for another gig.
Shaun Coleman 1 year ago (edited)
No. You have to be brutal because they are all a bunch of a******s and they will screw you over any chance they get. There is no loyalty. You are nothing but an expense on a ledger. They care nothing about you. Always have your CV upto date and always have somewhere to go. Corporate America is run by and for a******s. It's called Human Resources because they will strip mine you like coal.
Load More Replies... Apatheist Account2 1 year ago
I said to my boss: "I really need to talk to you about why our office is constantly so draughty". He said "Sure, my door is always open..."
Itsmeagain 1 year ago
I don't see any of these as helpful to either party. Surely there is room for direct speech instead of all this flowery-beating-around-the-bush c**p! Back in the day when I worked in an office we just said what we wanted to say in a firm polite manner and that was it. I don't see why people should have to learn a whole new language to work with obvious idiots.
Livingwithcfs 1 year ago
It's a bad sign if you need to use corporate language to say back off to someone at a workplace. Calmly saying, I feel .... because from what I understand this ..... is happening. Can you please explain why and what needs to change so it doesn't happen again. It's amazing how this can work in 90% of situations from gossip to asking for a raise. It's not confrontational, it gives room for conversation and it clearly allows you to say how you feel. It's also an adult way of dealing with conflict
Shaun Coleman 1 year ago
I love to rephrase it in plain English and see the uncomfortable looks. Having worked long enough to be able to retire is quite liberating. At this point, I am just doing it for fun.
Natalie Doran 1 year ago
Things I wish I knew how to say in corporate: -I've already told you leaving me to run the entire department by myself during the busiest hours of the day is a sh*tty thing to do -Must be exhausting watching everyone else do all the f*cking work -Could I maybe get paid more when I do more than everyone else?
Sinister Murder 1 year ago
First ask yourself: what is it that I want to achieve? If you want the person to assist you during the busiest hours, you ask just that: Can you assist me in the department during the busiest hours? If you want them not only stand by and actually do things, it is best to give them tasks, like: can you help me with this? Or: can you do that for me? Or: would you be so kind as to help that customer, for i am occupied. If you want a raise, ask just that: Can I talk to you about my raise? And explain why you think you've earned it. The same goes for a promotion.
Load More Replies... T J R 1 year ago
Based on these statements, I've been doing quite well in the corporate world. Example: I stand up while working and can see my boss sitting at her desk. One morning I noticed that her hair was sticking up and looking a mess. I sent her a ping saying, "Ummm lady, you might want to grab a mirror and fix your hair because it's looking a hot mess ;)" She laughed, I laughed, she fixed her hair, I told her it was good.
CanadianDimes 1 year ago
One really powerful thing I learned years ago is not to say "but". If I can't avoid it, I used "however" or "although". The best option is to use "and". The difference is between: "I appreciate your input but now is not the time to deal with that" and "I appreciate your input and now is not the time to deal with that". It puts the conversation on a more even keel and makes it less likely that the listener will get defensive because they aren't being told their needs don't matter (even if their needs don't actually matter).
Scotira 1 year ago
Jup, same goes for the German word "aber". I try to avoid it in either language. "But" usually negates everything that has come before it. "Not to be rude but blablabla (followed by something rude). Or "It doesn't bother me but ... (followed by what ist bothersome to you). This level of communication awareness and the knowledge about how certain words impact is needed when talking corporate however I know that's not the way it usually is. This level of communication is also needed in psychotherapy. Patients WILL weigh your every word! And one wrong word or phrase can cause an episode.
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