Managers are human. They're bound to make some unfortunate word choices now and then. But employees will give their supervisors a pass on those annoying expressions for only so long.
Implement a targeted, relevant training program for every manager with HR Memos to Managers: 81 Concise, Customizable Training Handouts for Your Supervisors.
Make sure you and your managers avoid these 10 phrases when talking to employees:
1. "That's above my pay grade." You have essentially told an employee that you not only can't solve his or her problem, but you're afraid to poke anyone higher on the totem pole for a solution.
2. "Hold that thought." OK. For how long? Later today? Tomorrow? Or until I forget about it? If an employee has a thought (be thankful they do), hear it out. "Hold that thought" is code for "I'm not interested in what you are about to say."
3. "Because I pay your salary." Unless you own the company, no you don't. Odds are you are on the payroll too. Such a statement is usually uttered by a boss who either can't articulate a sound reason for issuing an assignment or is simply intoxicated by the sheer power of the words.
4. "I'm really busy right now." Of course you are. But find out what he or she wants. Maybe it can be addressed in minutes. If not, schedule a time when the worker can come back. Employees are your top resource; they don't deserve a quick brush-off.
5. "I need it yesterday." The cliché is demeaning to the employee who's seeking a serious, meaningful deadline. If something is urgent, say so with a brief explanation why.
This HR handbook—specially designed for supervisors—is an instant company training program. You can customize the handouts for your business, easily remove them from the HR Memos to Managers binder and distribute them to your managers. You'll also receive a Web link to the Memos for easy download. Best of all, HR Memos to Managers costs less than one hour of consulting time. Get your copy today.
6. "Great job! Great job!" This is fine if it's sincere and used sparingly when it's really warranted. Overuse of this T-Ball-field praise dilutes its effectiveness.
7. "I only took __ days off last year." A boss who says this is either inviting everyone to a pity party or elevating his own work ethic above theirs. Either way, employees don't want to hear about your woes, especially if you're not willing to listen to theirs.
8. "Why did this mistake happen?" This question works if it's directed squarely at the system, not the people in it. Otherwise, it could look like you're seeking out a scapegoat.
9. "I don't believe in giving employees a perfect score." This performance review downer is a great way to convey that there's no point in truly excelling. It's a misguided motivational technique that will only serve to champion mediocrity.
10. "Let me know if you need help." Again, in itself, these words are just fine—even commendable. But tone is everything: When they're just empty verbal punctuation ending a sentence, they essentially mean "Good luck, don't bother me with this anymore." Instead, stop by later and offer help independently and sincerely.
HR Memos to Managers contains 81 concise training handouts covering nine key areas your supervisors must be familiar with: - Employment law (basic training)
Employee lawsuit risks- Hiring and interviewing
- Performance reviews
- Communication
- Coaching and motivating
- Management skills
- Managing difficult situations
- Terminations.
You'll be able to put the Memos to use right away. The handbook includes self-tests for discussing performance problems, discovering whether you're a micromanager, determining whether you discipline fairly and more. Get your copy today.
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