Your manager gives a lot of instructions and opinions throughout the day. But do you really know what he is trying to tell you?
Everyone has had a boss at least once in their lives. Whether or not you’re shy and introverted or bold and extroverted, there comes a point in your career when you have to be submissive and are resigned to follow orders.
Perhaps you’re one of the lucky ones and your boss is kind; lavishes you with compliments and always encourages you to go for it. Or perhaps he’s mean and takes credit for your good work. Whichever it is, you’ve probably heard him say more than one of the phrases below.
You probably have no idea what he is actually trying to say. Chances are you have it all wrong. But that’s okay, because we’re translating common phrases and questions that bosses use so that you can always stay one step ahead of them. That’s right, we’re exposing the true meaning behind what you thought were innocent comments.
Or, you know, we could be wrong and just be having some silly office fun!
So let’s start by decoding the more common phrases you may have heard your boss saying:
• Let's push the boundaries on this one. We need something really innovative! Throw out the conventions, I want something edgy!
"Present only safe, traditional ideas to me. I wouldn't know what to do with innovation if my life depended on it."
• I'm not sure if what you are suggesting is in alignment with our core competencies.
"You pushed the boundaries. I needed something less innovative. You should’ve stuck to the conventions."
• I'm not sure if what you are suggesting is in alignment with our core competencies.
"You pushed the boundaries. I needed something less innovative. You should’ve stuck to the conventions."
• I don't want to have to micromanage this whole operation!
"I have no idea how to do your job.”
Also read: Decoding office jargon
If you haven’t noticed that your boss's questions never really means what is actually said, we’ve decoded it for you:
• Do you have time?
"Do it now."
• Can you do this?
"No is not an option."
• Are you free?
"I don’t care. Do what I want now."
• What's on your plate?
"I'm giving you more work."
• Where’s that thing I asked for?
"I expected it 10 minutes ago."
• What are you doing this weekend?
"You need to come in on Saturday."
• Can you run out for A minute?
"I don’t care that you don’t have time. I need something and you’re going to go get it for me."
Think he just gave you a compliment? Ha ha ha. Think again!
• Great job on the report!
"I'm getting credit for your work."
• You’re such a dedicated worker.
"I know I can give you crazy projects and you won’t complain about them."
Forget the compliments, bosses can often trick you into thinking they’re on your side. But beware: they’re never really as nice as they say they are.
• This will be an easy project for you.
"This will be a horrible project and I don’t want to do it."
• I’ve got a special project for you.
"This will be a horrible project and I don’t want to do it."
• I’m looking forward to talking to you about your concerns but I have to handle something urgent now.
"I don’t want to hear you complain so I’m going to close my door and play Solitaire until you go home."
Also read: Lessons learned from a horrible boss
I am sure you’ve come across a boss that’s never ever wrong. Even when he is.
• I’m not sure where the breakdown in communication is.
"It’s me. If it was you, I’d be blaming you."
And have you ever noticed how much time you have at your disposal? Apparently an unlimited amount.
• I need this right away.
"I should have done this but I forgot and it’s your priority now. Hurry."
• This is a top-priority project.
"I’ll make you work late to complete this task and then won’t look at it for 2 weeks."
The one thing employees seem to forget is that bosses do have bosses too. He’s not as high up on the food chain as he’d like you to believe.
• It’s okay, take rest for today and get well soon.
"I know you’re lying to avoid work."
• Let me have a think. I will get back to you.
"I am too small a fish to take a decision. Will ask someone senior."
• Head Office has assured me we will not be affected by the merger.
"Everyone’s current role is under scrutiny. You are going to be fired."
Read: How to break up with your boss
Oh, when he says “gather this for future reference” or “table this for now” you know he’ll never look at, speak of it, nor think about it again. Except for that one time when you didn’t do it. That’s the one time he'll need it.
Ag, we’re sure your boss is actually really sweet and always means what he says. But if not, and you’re strongly considering leaving your horrible boss do browse Careers24’s thousands of fresh local jobs at leading companies.
