8 phrases business owners should never use around their employees, according to a psychologist

From the Personal Branding Blog

If you’re a boss, you know the power of words. One wrong phrase can spark a wildfire of discontent. But hey, you’re not a mind reader.

Well, according to a psychologist, there are eight phrases you should never say to your employees.

Some bosses get it right, others don’t. And that’s usually because those who get it right avoid these eight specific phrases.

Let’s dive in and learn about these potential communication landmines.

1) “Do it because I said so”

Bosses wield power, no doubt about that.

But guess what?

Employees are not kids needing to follow orders blindly. They’re adults craving understanding and respect.

Utter the phrase “Do it because I said so” and you might as well be lighting a fuse. It’s dismissive, it’s disrespectful, and it leaves no room for dialogue.

This phrase is a no-go because it undermines trust and can breed resentment among your team.

If you’re a boss who wants to inspire, not intimidate, this is one phrase you should definitely chop from your vocabulary.

Makes sense, doesn’t it?

2) “That’s not my problem”

I remember when I was just starting out in my career, fresh-faced and eager to impress.

One day, I faced a challenge with a project I was working on. I approached my boss, hoping for guidance. Instead, he looked at me, shrugged and said, “That’s not my problem”.

I felt dismissed and unsupported. It was a crushing blow to my morale.

Phrases like “That’s not my problem” can demotivate employees and create a toxic work environment. As a leader, you should be solving problems, not shrugging them off.

And trust me, from personal experience, it’s a phrase that can leave lasting scars. Let’s avoid it, shall we?

3) “We’ve always done it this way”

Innovation is the lifeblood of a successful business. But when you say, “We’ve always done it this way”, you’re slamming the door on creativity and progress.

This phrase is a silent killer of innovation and can actively discourage your employees from suggesting new, potentially game-changing ideas.

Interestingly, a study by McKinsey Global Institute found that businesses that encourage innovation are 1.5 times more likely to report financial growth rates above their peers.

Next time you’re tempted to reject change in favor of tradition, just remember: progress thrives on the unconventional.

4) “You’re lucky to have a job”

This phrase might seem like a reality check, but in truth, it’s a one-way ticket to employee resentment.

Saying “You’re lucky to have a job” implies that employees should be grateful for any treatment they receive, good or bad, because they could easily be replaced.

This can create a fear-based work culture and lower overall morale.

Instead of using fear as a motivator, try highlighting the unique contributions each employee brings to the table.

That way, they’ll feel valued and appreciated, which can lead to increased productivity and loyalty.

Isn’t that what we all want as business owners?

5) “I don’t pay you to think”

I must admit, when I first heard a boss say this, I was taken aback.

“I don’t pay you to think.” What a demoralizing phrase.

It suggests that employees are just there to do as they’re told and that their ideas, their creativity, and their intelligence are not valued.

In my opinion, it’s a phrase that can severely damage the employee-boss relationship and stifle any innovative potential within the team.

I’d say it’s definitely one to avoid if you want a thriving, engaged team.

6) “Failure is not an option”

On the surface, this phrase might seem like a strong motivator. It’s like a rally cry, pushing your team to do their utmost best, right?

Well, not quite.

In reality, “Failure is not an option” can create a culture of fear and pressure.

It suggests that any mistake or misstep is unacceptable, which can prevent employees from taking risks or trying new strategies.

Some of the most successful companies today were built on a foundation of failures. It’s through those missteps that we learn, grow and ultimately succeed.

If you want to inspire your team, consider saying “Let’s learn from our failures” instead.

7) “I don’t care what you think”

Communication is a two-way street, especially in a business setting.

When you say, “I don’t care what you think”, you’re basically putting up a stop sign on that street.

It sends a clear message to your employees: your thoughts and opinions are not valued here.

This phrase can discourage open communication and make employees less likely to share their ideas or voice their concerns.

A better approach? Encourage feedback. Ask for their thoughts.

Make it clear that you value their input. In doing so, you’ll foster an environment of respect and collaboration.

8) “You should be working all the time”

This is perhaps the most dangerous phrase of all.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of glorifying overwork. But pushing your employees to work around the clock is a surefire way to burn them out.

Your employees are humans, not machines. They need time to rest, recharge, and live their lives outside of work.

Instead of promoting a culture of constant work, encourage balance.

Your employees – and your business – will be better for it.

Wrapping up

If you’ve come this far, you now know the power of words, especially in a business setting.

Remember, as a business owner, your words can either build or break your team. They’re not just phrases, they’re messages that shape your company’s culture.

Avoiding these eight phrases isn’t just about preventing harm, it’s about fostering a healthy and thriving work environment.

It’s about respecting your employees as individuals who contribute to the success of your business.

As the famous business leader Richard Branson once said, “Take care of your employees and they’ll take care of your business”. Let’s start with our words.

Reflect on that, won’t you?

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