“That’s not my job”

When you tell your boss “That’s not my job,” you become instantly typecast as someone unwilling to go the extra mile or care about your team’s success.

However you might feel about a request, telling your boss flat-out no automatically makes you seem rigid and unhelpful. Try saying something like “I’m currently focused on [Priority A], but if you need me to drop that and focus on this new thing, what should I push back on?”

“I don’t have time for this”

We all get busy. Sometimes telling your boss that you don’t have time can come off as ignorant, or you don’t want to help. Instead, explain to them that you’re busy with xyz and ask them which thing they would like you to prioritize.

This lets them know that you are organized and interested in doing your most important work rather than flat-out saying no.

“That’s how we’ve always done it”

Essentially what you’re telling your boss is you don’t like change. Businesses need to adapt to survive, and your manager wants employees who aren’t afraid to try new things and think there might be a better way to do something.

If you honestly believe your way is better, say so respectfully. Don’t dismiss someone else’s idea just because it’s different than what you’re used to.

“It’s not my fault”

Immediately deflecting blame when something goes wrong isn’t going to fix the issue. Even if your coworker made a mistake, your boss isn’t asking because he wants you to tell him who’s to blame.

Admitting your role in the situation and focusing on how to fix it shows that you are professional and level-headed.

“I’ll try”

Polite as it may sound, this answer leaves your boss guessing as to whether or not you’ll get the task done. If you will complete the task, say so confidently.

If not, let them know what obstacles are in your way and when a more realistic deadline will be. Clear communication will earn your manager trust far more than unclear promises.

“I thought you knew”

This response makes your boss feel as though you are blaming them for your mistake. Instead of telling your boss this, say, “I should have mentioned that earlier,” or simply explain without placing blame. Communication is a two-way street.

“That’s impossible”

It’s quite possible your boss is asking you to do the impossible. But don’t jump to that conclusion. Explaining to someone that what they want can’t be done is a great way to sound like a complainer.

If what your manager is asking you to do is unrealistic, tell him why it won’t work and suggest an alternative solution. Managers love employees who problem-solve instead of simply listing reasons why something can’t be done.

“You should have asked me first”

This puts your boss on defense instantly. Not only does your comment question their authority, but it questions their decision-making skills as well.

Even if your boss’ decision will affect your work on a day-to-day basis, there’s no need to attack them about it. Encourage them to include you next time by saying, “In the future, I’d love to weigh in on those decisions early so I can share useful context from my end.”

“I’m leaving if I don’t get a raise or promotion”

This makes you look like you are holding your resignation over your boss’ head. If you want to talk about how you’ve been performing at work, your career goals, and compensation, that’s fine. But threatening to quit is just rude.

If you do decide to leave, leave because it’s what’s best for you and your career, not as a way to strong-arm your boss into giving you what you want.

“That’s above my pay grade”

Telling your boss you can’t do something because it’s not your decision to make sounds awfully lazy.

If your boss makes a request that someone else needs to sign off on, politely explain that and ask how he’d like you to handle it. You’ll sound much better by agreeing to help rather than flat-out refusing.

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