Do the legwork on language

swati Rai

Have you ever tried to hear yourself when you speak at work? An honest intent may come across as a weak argument, and a verbal diarrhoea as a mark of faffing. Gauging words and their connotations — weighing in on words that you use at the workplace, can help you engage positively with colleagues, build a positive work image and chisel a professional perception of you. 

A professional portfolio at work should be topped up with precise, thoughtful and positive usage of language, to convey meaning. Here are five ways to avoid communication faux pas at work.

1‘Not my job’: Oops! did you just say this? If you have heard yourself uttering these words often, then rest assured that you  have already set foot on the quicksand of failure. A task may not be explicit in your job profile, perhaps not implicit in it also, but these words are a big ‘no no’. You could, however, you rephrase these to come across as less of a stubborn worker? 

No, we are not saying that you have to accept whatever is doled out to you in the name of being a ‘good worker’. The point being made here is that declining a request in this manner will create a negative and harsh image at work. Instead, try saying, “I am not sure if I am the right person for this. If I were you, I’d ask so and so”. You are stating the truth here, without overtly rubbing someone the wrong way. Gauge the situation and instead of an outright refusal, suggest a viable option. This will see you through a sticky situation.

2“I will get back to you in  half a second” You are hurtling down the work week at break-neck speed, with deadlines dangling as the Damocles’ sword upon you. Average scenario at work. Right? In the midst of this professional hurly burly, you have someone ask you a query, a favour, or assign you a task. What do we say to stall the request, and at the same time, acknowledge it?  Yes, ask for a second to complete the task. 

When was the last time anyone did any task in half a second? Of course, this is figuratively used, but is still as vague, deflects intent and shows superfluous engagement. Best to be precise in such cases. “Sure, I can do that, but allow me time till this evening”. The context will demand the time limit, which could be stated in generic but believable terms. Good luck with that.

3 This may sound dumb but… There, if you have committed the sin of stupidity already, you lost a hearing ear. Sure, you maybe unsure of the suggested course of intended action, but to convey it, you may say instead, “I have a solution that may work in such a case”. You are expressing your doubt more soundly, and truthfully. A confident choice of positive words will help here. Just as instead of “I think”, you could choose to say, “I firmly believe” or “I know”.

4How was I supposed to know? If you’re using this, more often than not, you had better have known. Depending on the context, this sounds plain immature linguistic defence, or the absence of it. “I am afraid, I should have known better” or “I have no qualms n accepting that we could have better handled the situation”, might just work on the same line as this. Best to acknowledge, admit and move on — of course, trying not to repeat the folly, or the words to defend it, will help. 

5Things would be different if it not were for XYZ... It is great that you know your significance as an employee, but be mindful of treading the thin line between pomposity and asserting your worth. Playing the blame game is not only dirty politics but also, tempts with, transient, apparent benefits. However, it is best to be upfront and professional if angling for a certain project. “I was wondering if you’d consider me for the upcoming pitch, as I do feel I have the requisite domain specific experience”.