Everyone has a boss. Even if you "work for yourself," you're still an employee to your client.
A big part of maintaining the boss-employee relationship is to never allow a boss to think you dislike your work, are incapable of doing it, or--worse--consider it beneath you.
These sound like no-brainers, but many statements heard commonly around the workplace violate these basic rules. Looking for an example? Here are seven heard in workplaces all the time. They may seem ordinary, even harmless. But try reading these from your boss's point of view. You'll see right away why it's smart to never allow these seven sentences to pass your lips:
"That's not my job." You know what? A lot of bosses are simple souls who think your job is to do what's asked of you. So even if you're assigned a task that is, indeed, not your job, refrain from saying so. Instead, try to find out why your boss is assigning you this task--there may be a valid reason. If you believe that doing the task is a bad idea (as in, bad for the company) you can try explaining why and suggesting how it could be better done by someone else. This may work, depending on the boss. In any case, remember that doing what's asked of you, even tasks outside your job description, is good karma.
7 Things Never You Never Say To Your Boss
Unless U have a VERY UNIQUE skill, we need to realize that there are 150-200 people for EVERY job that becomes available.
But, I kinda disagree with some of the comments. My experience from 1964 to 2011 (my working career) has shown that I have been quite blessed with generally understanding, reasonable, hard working people, who, on balance, were able to do the job that they asked me to do, equally or better. I respected them! I was fortunate and I took that "respect for the staff" with me when I became a manager--I should hope that MY staff felt as good and appreciative about me as I felt about them and my former supervisors.
I also remember that I once had a Librarian work for me when I was in the Army many years ago... She came to me lamenting that she could not account for all her books "because the students had checked so many out..." I tried to remind her of the purpose of the library but was never sure the "lesson" in that conversation stuck...
Since my retirement from the Army I have worked for a major tax preparation firm as a tax preparer, office manager and as education counselor for a major district. It amazes me that in an industry where taxpayers have numerous options for preparers to actually applaud when they DO NOT have clients. They say such things when, for instance, they arrive 20-minutes late as the office opened and exclaim out loud with such nonsensical statements as "good thing we didn't have clients lined up this morning!" The boss happened to be there when one idiot voiced that comment. There was either a dirty look or a verbal exchange but within short order that particular individual quickly vacated that area and made a hasty retreat to her work station.
One of the lessons I learned very early in life was to seek ways to distinguish yourself from "the others..." By doing things outside one's normal job the boss observes who is carrying their weight and those who aren't... While there are no guarantees, one either works and works hard or they simply exist. In any competitive industry just existing gives rise to a stronger possibility of being first to be let go when tough decisions need to be made concerning downsizing or restructuring. Being a "yes" man (as in an "ass kisser") is one thing... being honest, candic, respectful, and thoughtful also means one should feel comfortable enough about his position to tell the boss that which is or may not be what he needs to hear. As a young officer in the Army I quickly learned that (1) I was expected to be able to think AND to offer options, and (2) to adhere to the idea that "when the boss makes the decision to shut my mouth and support that decision by word and deed..."
Those who cannot follow cannot lead.
Really thoughtful post. Thanks!