SAYING the right words at the right time and place is a key skill that a successful individual should possess. The right words can easily win the hearts of many, especially bosses, and would most
likely increase the chance of promotion or gaining an increment.
So what are some of the appropriate things to say in various situations?
Whenever the bosses assign you with any task, you should always keep calm and answer with: “I will see to it right now.” There should be no moment of hesitation or attempts to push away the work with excuses.
Even if you cannot see to the assignments right away, you should tell the boss that you will look into the matter right after you have taken care of the important or urgent task at hand.
If your boss or colleagues ask you questions which you do not really know how to answer, do not announce right away that you do not know.
A better approach would be to say, “I need some time to ponder on the matter. I will give you the answer later.” This will let others know that you are properly considering the issues. However, do make sure that you carry out thorough research and give a relevant and useful answer later.
No one is perfect and everything you do will have some flaws. When someone points out your mistakes or criticises your work, do not show a sullen face or jump to your defence or, worse, get angry.
Calmly express yourself by saying, “Thank you for your feedback. I will put your suggestions or comments into consideration.” There is no point overreacting or getting defensive. If you are able to accept criticism with great poise, others will see you as someone who is confident and able to learn from your mistakes.
Whenever you commit any mistake, instead of denying your mistake or pushing the responsibility away, you should accept your blunder. Admit your slip-up by saying, “I overlooked the issued, but thankfully ….”
If you do not admit your mistake and try to push the responsibility to someone else, you will leave an impression that you are irresponsible. Be willing to admit the blunder, lighten the issue and quickly move on to another agenda so that there will not be too much attention put on the mistake.
When an important project hits a major setback, do not rush to your boss and break the bad news. Rather, you should calmly break the news by say something like: “I think we have a situation here.”
Do not use the words problem or trouble so that it does not send a negative message that the issue is unsolvable. Using the word, “we” will let your boss know that you are working together to solve the issue as a team.
If you have to handle a very tough project and need to enlist the help of a colleague, what is the best way for you to get your colleague to join the team?
You may tell your colleague: “This project will not be successful without your help.” This is the truth as you surely need the colleague’s expertise to get things done. Usually, your colleague will not turn down such a request in order to live up to this reputation. However, do not forget to give your colleague credit for the success of the project.
If your colleague comes up with a brilliant idea that wins your boss’ approval, instead of feeling beaten or jealous, you should join in and praise the good idea.
In this competitive era where everyone is fighting to be the first, your boss will be happy to see a cooperative staff member who is not jealous and can work in a team.
Priscilla Hiu is a career guidance consultant of Gracia Management and a certified behavioural consultant of DISC Personality Profiling System, Institution of Motivation Living, USA and Extended DISC Personality Profiling System, Extended DISC Northgate.