Communication between you and your boss: what to say and what to avoid

How you communicate with your boss can play a big role in your career growth. Saying the wrong thing at the wrong time can create misunderstandings, hurt your professional image, or even affect opportunities for advancement. On the other hand, thoughtful, respectful communication can help build trust, show accountability, and make your work environment smoother.

Here are some common mistakes people make when talking to their superiors and better ways to handle them:

Even as a joke, this kind of statement sounds unprofessional and can be off-putting. Instead, focus on discussing possible solutions or alternatives. For example, you could say, "Boss, maybe it would help if we tried doing it this way or that way…" This way, you are not directly refusing the task, but you are communicating that there might be a better approach to get it done.

If you are dealing with a personal issue, communicate it politely: "Boss, I need a few days to take care of a personal matter. I will make sure to come back ready to handle my tasks." You don't need to go into detail. It's enough for your boss to know that you are going through something so they can understand if you are temporarily unable to perform the task.

It's easy to blame others, especially when mistakes are involved. Instead of pointing fingers, take responsibility and tell your boss: "I'm sorry. I will fix this and make sure it doesn't happen again." These words can ease tension because you acknowledge your responsibility while also showing your boss that you can take ownership of your tasks and are willing to learn from mistakes to prevent them in the future.

Teamwork is important, especially for a boss who expects everyone on the team to cooperate to achieve goals. Saying outright that you don't want to work with someone does not help. Instead, focus on solutions rather than personality conflicts and tell your boss: "Boss, maybe we can have a discussion to resolve the misunderstanding and become a more productive team."

Avoid giving the impression that you are uninterested. Ask about priorities instead: "Boss, if this is urgent, I can adjust my priorities to handle it right away." This way, you show that you have other responsibilities but are willing to adjust. If it is not urgent, your boss can simply let you know that it can wait.

Good communication with your boss is more than just being honest. It's about being professional, respectful, and solution-oriented. The right words at the right time can prevent misunderstandings, strengthen working relationships, and support your career growth. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on clear, constructive dialogue, you'll make your boss's life easier and show that you are a reliable, thoughtful team member.

For more workplace productivity tips, tune in to Trabaho Tips with Glady Mabini on Radyo Natin Nationwide, airing daily from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM.

Source: Career Compass No. 12: Communicating with Your Boss (ICMA), 27 Do's and Don'ts for How To Talk To Your Boss (Indeed), and Trabaho Tips – Radyo Natin with Glady Mabini