Lisa O
Your boss isn’t just evaluating your work—they’re also paying attention to how you communicate, what words you say, and the way you say them. Some phrases can make you seem unprofessional or unwilling to grow. Here are ten things you should never say to your boss if you want to be seen as competent and professional.
“That’s not my job.”
Nothing makes you seem more unhelpful than outright refusing a task. While it’s true that you shouldn’t be doing work far outside your role, a blunt dismissal can make you appear uncooperative. Even if the request is unreasonable, shutting it down completely can make your boss question your commitment. Instead of pushing back immediately, consider whether the task is an opportunity to showcase new skills or take on more responsibility.
“I don’t know.”
While honesty is important, saying “I don’t know” without any follow-up makes you seem uninterested or unresourceful. Your boss isn’t expecting you to have all the answers, but they do expect you to take initiative. If you’re unsure about something, it’s better to show a willingness to find out rather than leaving them with no solution. A better approach is to offer to look into the issue or suggest possible alternatives.
“I can’t work with them.”
Workplace conflicts happen, but refusing to work with someone makes you look like the problem rather than the other person. Your boss wants employees who can collaborate and find solutions, not ones who shut down at the first sign of difficulty. Even if your coworker is difficult, openly refusing to work with them reflects poorly on you. Instead of making demands, focus on finding ways to navigate the situation professionally.
“I’m too busy.”
Saying you’re too busy can come across as dismissive or even make it seem like you can’t handle your workload effectively. Your boss likely already knows how much you have on your plate, so responding with this phrase can sound like an excuse rather than a real concern. Instead of shutting down the conversation, focus on discussing priorities.
“I messed up, but it’s not my fault.”
Mistakes happen, but passing the blame makes you look unreliable and unwilling to take responsibility. Even if the situation wasn’t entirely your fault, shifting blame to others will make your boss question your accountability. Good leaders value employees who own their mistakes and work to fix them, not those who make excuses. Instead of focusing on who’s to blame, focus on what can be done to correct the situation.
“That’s how we’ve always done it.”
This phrase signals resistance to change and a lack of adaptability—two things no boss wants in an employee. Even if a current process works well, dismissing new ideas outright makes you look rigid and unwilling to evolve. Businesses thrive on innovation, and being open to new approaches is a key part of professional growth. If you truly believe the current method is the best, provide a logical explanation rather than shutting down suggestions.
“I need a raise because my expenses have increased.”
Your boss is concerned with business performance, not your personal finances. While salary increases are important, framing your request around your personal expenses makes it seem like you don’t understand how raises work. Employers reward employees based on their contributions, not their rising rent or personal costs. Instead of using your financial situation as justification, focus on your achievements, market value, and overall impact on the company.
“This job is easy.”
Even if a task feels simple to you, saying so out loud can come off as arrogant or dismissive. It can also make your boss question whether you’re being challenged enough or taking your role seriously. Every job has its complexities, and even if you find certain tasks effortless, someone else on your team might not. Instead of downplaying your work, focus on how you can contribute more if you feel underutilized.
“I’m bored.”
Telling your boss that you’re bored is one of the quickest ways to make them question your engagement and long-term fit at the company. No manager wants to hear that an employee is uninterested in their work. If you feel like you aren’t being challenged enough, there are better ways to address it. Asking for additional responsibilities, new projects, or ways to contribute more can turn a negative feeling into an opportunity.
“I’m quitting… tomorrow.”
Leaving a job is a big decision, and while you have every right to move on, doing so without notice can damage your professional reputation. Even if you’re frustrated or eager to start a new opportunity, quitting suddenly without warning shows a lack of professionalism. Most industries are more connected than you think, and burning bridges can come back to haunt you later in your career.
