In yesterday’s Advisor, we began consultant Darlene Price’s list of 10 phrases that successful managers avoid. Today, the rest of the list.
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Go here for numbers 1 to 6 of Price’s phrases to avoid. Price (www.wellsaid.com) is the author of the book Well Said! Presentations and Conversations That Get Results.
7. AVOID: “… don’t you think?” and “… isn’t it?” and “… OK?”
To convey a confident, commanding presence, eliminate validation questions. Make your statement or recommendation with certainty and avoid tacking on the unnecessary approval-seeking question. Don’t say, “This would be a good investment, don’t you think?” Instead say, “This solution will be a wise investment that provides long-term benefits.” Don’t say, “I think we should proceed using this proposed strategy, OK?” Instead, make a declaration: “We’ll proceed using this proposed strategy.”
8. AVOID: “I don’t have time for this right now” or “I don’t have time to talk to you right now.”
In addition to being abrupt and rude, this phrase tells the person they’re less important to you than something or someone else. Instead say, “I’d be glad to discuss this with you. I’m meeting a deadline at the moment. May I stop by your office (or phone you) this afternoon at 3 p.m.?
9. AVOID: “… but …”
Simply replace the word “But” with “And.” The word “but” cancels and negates anything that comes before it. Imagine if your significant other said to you, “Honey, I love you, but …”. Similarly, imagine if a software salesperson said, “Yes, our implementation process is fast, easy, and affordable … but we can’t install it until June.” The “but” creates a negative that didn’t exist before, offsetting the benefits of fast, easy, and affordable. Replace the “but” with “and” and hear the difference: “Yes, our implementation process is fast, easy, and affordable, and we can install it as early as June.” Most of the time, “and” may be easily substituted for “but,” with positive results.
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10. AVOID: “He’s a jerk” or “She’s lazy” or “They’re stupid” or “I hate my job” or “This company stinks.”
Avoid making unconstructive or judgmental statements that convey a negative attitude toward people or your job. This mishap tanks a career quickly. If a genuine complaint or issue needs to be brought to someone’s attention, do so with tact, consideration, and nonjudgment. For example, when discussing a coworker’s tardiness with your boss, don’t say “She’s lazy.” Instead say, “I’ve noticed Susan has been an hour late for work every morning this month.” This comment states an observable fact and avoids disparaging language.
Bottom line, top leaders and successful managers avoid these phrases, says Price. Whether you’re making a formal presentation, wooing a client, or proposing an idea, persuasive communication can make the difference between success and failure, she adds.
Saying the right thing is part of the battle, and doing the right thing is the other part. So who’s doing what? What’s going on in the trenches? There’s only one way to find out: the HR audit. But for many managers, it’s hard to get started—Where do you begin?
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HR Audit Checklists compels thoroughness. For example, it contains checklists on both Preventing Sexual Harassment and Handling Sexual Harassment Complaints. You’d likely never think of all the possible trouble areas without a checklist; but with it, just scan down the list, and instantly see where you might get tripped up.
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In fact, housed in the HR Audit Checklists binder are dozens of extensive lists, organized into reproducible packets, for easy distribution to line managers and supervisors. There’s a separate packet for each of the following areas:
- Staffing and training (incorporating Equal Employment Opportunity Commission rulings in recruiting and hiring, including immigration issues);
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