4 things to not say to your boss this year

Happy New Year, and congratulations on reaching 2024! I hope your New Year's celebrations were joyful, and as you read this, I envision a big grin on your face.

There's a lot to anticipate and be thankful for, and I trust your Christmas bonus brought some extra cheer to your festivities!

Now that you've had the chance to reflect and cultivate new ideas for the year ahead, it's time to channel that positive energy into your professional life.

In the spirit of growth and development, I’ve devised a few insights on effective communication with your boss. Here are four things I highly recommend you DO NOT say to your boss this year:

Stop telling your boss about problems

Oftentimes, we think we are being helpful by telling our boss all the issues and problems that come up, but if we do this consistently without providing solutions or attempting to fix the problems, we become the problem.

When addressing challenges at work, it's crucial to avoid simply presenting problems without accompanying solutions. If you're in a position to address an issue, take the initiative to fix it or propose a framework for improvement.

If not, always pair the identification of a problem with potential solutions. This approach not only demonstrates your problem-solving abilities but also fosters a collaborative atmosphere.

Stop voluntarily owning up to mistakes

Now, I’m not against being accountable, but what I am saying is to recognise the difference between accountability and blame. Early in my career, I made the mistake of excessively shouldering the blame for minor missteps, thinking it demonstrated accountability.

Volunteering information and admitting to minor errors backfired in such a major way that I now shudder at the mere thought of the recollections of the events that transpired.

I've since learned from my mistakes and am aware that this type of transparency or accountability actually draws unnecessary attention to small hiccups. Instead, I learned to focus on learning from those mistakes and showing a commitment to improvement.

However, I later realised that accountability is about taking responsibility for your actions, not volunteering for blame unnecessarily.

Rather than constantly admitting to minor errors, focus on learning from them and demonstrating your commitment to improvement.

This nuanced approach helps you build a reputation for reliability without unnecessarily drawing attention to minor missteps.

Don’t tell your Boss you need a pay raise

While financial concerns are valid, it's essential to recognise that your boss may not be in a position to address personal financial matters.

Instead of directly expressing a need for more money or a pay raise, approach salary discussions strategically. Conduct thorough market research, build a compelling business case, and present evidence of your impact on the organisation.

Highlight tangible contributions, such as revenue growth or cost reduction, to demonstrate your value and enhance your negotiating position.

Don’t say “It’s not in my job description

While there are opposing schools of thought on this, I recommend that you embrace opportunities beyond your job description IF you're looking to not only enhance your skill set but also strategically position yourself for career advancement. 

In many industries, including the tech sector, taking on responsibilities beyond your current role is a proven way to advance.

Strategically saying yes to tasks that elevate your visibility and showcase next-level skills can position you for promotions and career advancement.

If securing a promotion within your current organisation seems unlikely, keep in mind that you can leverage the experience you've gained to enhance your prospects for a promotion in your next job application.

While it's crucial to establish boundaries and avoid a task list dominated by responsibilities suited for a lower-level professional, it's worth considering saying "yes" to tasks that extend beyond your job description. This is especially true if such tasks present opportunities for personal and professional growth.

As we embark on this new year, remember that the words you choose can shape your professional journey. Take charge of your communication, be mindful of what you say, and embrace opportunities for growth.

Keep notes on your achievements, and I have no doubt you'll achieve greatness in the year ahead. Here's to a fantastic and successful 2024! Cheers!

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