10 Things You Should NEVER Say at Work

If you want to be taken seriously and get promoted at work, there are ten things you should NEVER say. I’m not one to tone police, so I’m not going to tell you not to apologize when you’re late for a meeting (that’s a jerk move and you should apologize) - but there are phrases that make you appear incompetent and low potential which is not the vibes we’re here to give. Find out what the phrases are and easy swaps you can make to convey your capability and potential.
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[@evanvelardi]

"because youre working with humans, and humans are gonna human" so true 😂😂😂

[@JenniferBrick]

We're complex creatures

[@jtixtlan]

“That’s not my job.” In my 20s, I would never have said that and I disliked when others did. Decades later, I understand that it is right to have some boundaries and seek balance. In the early stages of a career, people are frequently giving too much, weak boundaries, overworked and underpaid. In 40 years of work, one thing has never changed. Mid to senior managers will maintain healthy boundaries for themselves while requiring or manipulating others into working for free on their own time.

[@janem3575]

I'll offer to do things "not my job", as long as it doesn't require me to do unpaid overtime. That's where I draw the line.

[@irisharan3038]

@@janem3575 or to do for free what others are paid extra not to do because they passed to you. People should always establish boundaries on their time and work otherwise they just get targeted for exploitation.

[@BillClinton228]

And that's one reason why companies prefer hiring very young people that haven't figured out how they will be taken advantage of, with the added benefit of being able to pay them peanuts. The only time corporates will bite the bullet and get someone older is if the job requires specific skills and experience thats hard to find.

[@amg9163]

I'd like to add to the list - 10. Never say "thank God it's Friday" 11. Never say _"Happy Monday"_ in that sarcastic, rueful tone Both will give the impression that you*don't* want to be there (even if that's true)

[@dcabral00]

I certainly do not have an issue with the first phrase. I only have an issue when brand-new employees come in, and before learning how we do things, they think they can come in an change how everyone works.

[@Baseballbruja]

Ive said thats not fair at work. And tried to call out favoritism. I never will again

[@crysi612]

I have learned that most coworkers who get promoted before you - usually have expressed to management that they are interested in leaving - or word got around that they are looking elsewhere - and usually, get promoted out of left field if management wants to keep them or they have expressed that they want a certain specific position, and they won't settle for less. In my work place - a position, and random title will be created for the specific coworker - even when the job title was never open to the public, or a fair chance was offered to other coworkers. Love your favoritism analysis! Yep - currently dealing with this - and I feel like I can't express that concern to my boss. Love this segment btw!

[@bill4632]

Not my job. You express leaving to the wrong person... next you know, you're out the door a week later. My job you're just a number not a human.

[@JenniferBrick]

It sounds like they've created a dynamic where people leave (or pretend to be leaving) to get a promotion. This is problematic for soooo many reasons. I'm not telling you what to do but it might be worth a) considering if the political landscape is one that you both can and want to succeed in at your company, and b) regardless of your answer if you want a better title and pay, start looking for other opportunities.

[@crysi612]

@@JenniferBrick Very insightful pov! I love this! Yep! I think I will reconsider the job - and if it's worth the 5 years I have put into it.

[@disarchitected]

I suspect how well this might work will depend on the state of the firm. When my firm was expanding and they were hiring in at a fair pace, this tactic worked to some degree. When it decided to cull people during the pandemic, doing this would get you flagged as a flight risk and deprioritised for promotion, support, good projects making those people leave anyway. Ask me how I know?

[@crysi612]

@@disarchitected interesting! I guess different firms/companies have different values on how they handle it and it's even more interesting how different management types responds to coworkers who express that they are disappointed in their roles. Some will reward, and some see it as a way to deprioritze an employee. Thanks for the input!

[@jamierice3207]

This is spot on!! I’m an RN and have been in management. I learned real quick about certain “traps” to avoid!

[@JenniferBrick]

Some of them are sooo easy to fall into.

[@strauqq1]

​@@JenniferBrickWait. So I made a mistake by telling my supervisor I feel like I'm being taking advantage of even though I was doing other people's work??!

[@sbattle4787]

Nothing you say will matter when jealously and insecurity come into play All you can do is pray or leave

[@scoobysnax8127]

I’ve watched the whole thing. Takeaways: pipe down, do the work for free, don’t complain even if they are being unfair. Where is the empowerment? Where is the agency for the employee?

[@LindseyObrooke]

It’s unfortunate because at my current company, I have no way to show any other talents. I am a top performer in my department. I have been passed up for promotions, even though the director told me that something I thought was a promotion was actually a, “lateral move.” I do not believe that at all. I just hit my one year mark with them after not working for several years (unknown to them) due to undiagnosed autoimmune disease and then the pandemic hitting. Luckily was diagnosed and am doing so much better. Managed to be a top performer. But the job is so tunnel visioned. I am stuck where I am. I interviewed for a management position and was not chosen, which I wasn’t too broken up over because the workload seems somewhat impossible, but I was definitely up for the challenge. I really enjoy my coworkers and the atmosphere of the job. It’s work from home. Everyone is patient and happy to help each other. I’m sure we’re able to be on our best behavior most of the time behind screens. But it’s becoming super clear that there is no room for growth here. Not for me, at least. Which is sad. That’s how I found you in the first place. Being upset that I saw NEW people put into positions I wanted to be in while I am kept where I’m at. In some ways, I hope they’re really sad when I leave. I’m sure they won’t be, though lol😂. I hope I find a great place to work next that will allow me to use my skills and up-level!!

[@JenniferBrick]

I'm sorry you hit a ceiling in this job. If you're actively searching, it is also worth having direct conversations with your manager along the lines of 'i love working here, and I think the culture it top notch. I'm eager to progress but I've been passed over. I know the other candidates were great, but if love feedback and mentoring on how I can be the obvious choice for the next opening.' (Also lateral moves are growth)

[@LindseyObrooke]

@@JenniferBrick I have spoken with my direct manger, but it seems that everything is so micromanaged that even my direct manager still has to put many of her own duties by more senior managers. I'm not really sure what the point of this function is in this company, but when I spoke with the director, he gave me incredibly obscure things to work on: get my production numbers back up (literally the highest or top three of my team), work on attendance -- still have about 100 hrs of my PTO because I am hardly out; work more independently. I asked for specifics and he didn't give me anything to understand. They either just want me where I am at because I bring in a lot of customers from my position, or they're not interested in advancing me for whatever reason. It's also a hyper repetitive job. It's really not for me, sincerely, and in the long run. I took it to get back on my feet and back into working. And right!?!? Lateral move is still movement and advancing skills! It's frustrating, but I really think I am too talented to even be working in such a job. I will cherish the experience, however. Also, they're constantly expanding, and I'm planning to at least remain through the coming months. I was actually just thinking today about how you said you're happy you didn't leave a job because you got to move up pretty quickly. Who knows. Maybe it could wind up happening here to me. Thanks for replying

[@haunteddreams7856]

I'm currently grieving because one of my support workers is leaving in 2 weeks. I am 23 with Austism and I am completely aware that a support workers interaction is completely transactional but her leaving came out of nowhere, I am doing training to be a support worker myself so I was actually really excited to be working along side her as I would still be getting support as well but now that won't be happening. I want her to be happy so I have no hate or anger towards her it's just as we aren't friends we can't stay in contact so in 2 weeks time I have to experience the "last day I ever see her again" and I'm scared. It's stressful because I know that's her job but we got on really well. I seen your "grieving at work" video and related that doing my support worker Training while grieving the fact im losing my support thats why i commented

[@mercedeswilkins5566]

Whatever you say and do treat it as if it would be use against you one day. If you call someone they may have you on speaker w/out you knowing. They may even record yall convo w/out you noticing, and they may have someone else listen in on ya convo w/out you knowing. When you email or text someone keep in mind they keeping it for record and they got someone else to read it. But once y’all have ya fall out they are gonna use all the email, text, and phone call against you. So be careful what you say or do and keep your answer short and convo short

[@Kurisutchiandesu]

Hi Jennifer! I want to start by thanking you for all the hard work and the amazing information you share with us. I started late in life learning my way through life. I am actually teaching myself. Loooooooong story! No shame in admitting it. That said, I made a lot of mistakes along the way and struggled especially in the office environment due to not knowing all that you teach us here. Your work here has dramatically changed my life both professionally and personally and though I have a looooooooong ways to go and lots to learn and practice I am already experiencing all the benefits. Now, I haven't been able to watch every single video you have here but I was wondering if you have a series like you do here but for mid management and senior leadership positions. I am not a manager or a senior leader. But maybe in the future I could be? After learning with you all the red flags, what to do, what not to do, what to watch out for, how to protect ourselves, etc., I just can't help to think about what are the pros and cons once you become a manager and/or senior leader. Like I learned with you in order to get to the next level one needs to learn about next level stuff then start practicing next level things and stop overachieving on what you already know how to do. What are the dangers, what to do, what not to do, etc., as a manager or senior leader I am sure each layer (senior, mid, junior) has a few differences? So, say, someone gets freshly promoted (and trust me I have seen this!) and maybe some of your manager peers and your juniors are not happy that you got promoted for whatever reasons they may have. Maybe they'll try to make your management experience hard on purpose, not listen, maybe some threaten to transfer, quit, maybe some try to file complaints and so on. Since your team's performance and overall success is one's reflection as a leader, how does one mitigate that? We learn a lot from you about dealing with bad bosses for example, but what about good bosses, how does someone protect themselves in a management and/or senior level position? I would really love to learn about mid management and senior management, how to be a good one. I have seen good people get demoted, fired and some quit because more than one person ganged up against them to make it look like they were bad managers/leaders/bosses when they in fact weren't. Clearly moving up the ladder has pros and cons and one is not untouchable moving up, in fact, it seems as if there are actually more dangers sometimes. I wonder if you have made videos about similar topics and/or maybe you know where I could learn more about this? Thank you again and sorry for the long message. I have spent the last two weeks taking notes from your videos and studying like if I was in school. I can't thank you enough for what you've done so far! Cheers, Chris

[@lorettaknoelk3475]

I love your positivity! And your voice!

[@kohakanhanan2928]

Talking to a manager about a raise they promised always leads to they lied

[@Banana_Boo_]

2:53 My top manager's name is John. And the one above him is also John. Seems like being a John drastically improves your chances of winning the career ladder competition.

[@jaanikaapa6925]

Yes.. Do work above your paygrade and so on. Never get that promotion and payraise, because you're doing the job for free. Please do explain this.

[@JenniferBrick]

You do the job at the higher paygrade to get promoted and your pay increased. This *does not* mean you do it indefinitely if those things don't happen - but if your employer is exploitative like that so, you don't want to work there anyways, plus boundaries... so then you take that higher level experience you have gained and you market yourself for that promotion (and an even bigger pay increase) elsewhere.

[@jaanikaapa6925]

@@JenniferBrick Thank you. That was my experience with my first real employer. I was afraid to leave, since I was also the only one with income in my home. Felt trapped, abused... Then eventually had a couple of breakdowns and to my luck was fired. Then watched from outside as the company almost lost their main client because I was let go. I singlehandedly built the national customer service for them, our client was asking to have me in all the important projects, etc. I think my bosses were feeling jealous, since our country was supposed to be just a satellite and main stuff come from Denmark. Here's the client treating me like I was the boss of my boss. Me, I'm just the guy on the phone with the customers and try my best to help them. After my leaving they realised I did the work of six people and I'd been handling it for years. Suddenly they realised that they had no idea what my job had been and had nobody capable of actually doing my work. Their income went down, more people had to be booted. Then years of therapy and I'm trying to return back to work. I'm studying for a bachelors in social service. Kind of funny. I promised myself I'd never return to customer service but here I am again. Then again the education I'm going through feels right for me. Often too easy, actually and leads me to wonder if I'm doing something wrong.

[@justlivinglife465]

That is literally happening to me. So I’m leaving. 😂

[@DirtPoorWargamer]

The problem with accepting the "opportunity" to do work that you aren't being properly compensated for, is that it's more likely that your willingness to accept every such "opportunity" will be abused and not counted in your favor when the promotions actually go around. Do it enough and they'll never want to promote you because you're too valuable where you are and would be too difficult to replace at anything close to the same wage.

[@bac0nknight691]

Doesn’t work if management is so incompetent they focus on bullshit metrics

[@AnonYmous-ic5kd]

Valid point that's why it has to be done strategically vs just doing it and doing it often enough to where someone takes advantage of it

[@freesiahevnosey6124]

when everyone else is complaining about the horrible management it's not only validates your feelings, but it's fun to join in.

[@iyasugames]

at my last toxic workplace, we all complained about the bad management. If someone didn't complain about them at least sometimes, I don't think I could have trusted that person

[@scoobysnax8127]

So, what are you supposed to do when they are being unfair? You say what you shouldn’t do, not what you should do.

[@samuelopoku4868]

"Humans are gonna human" = hidden gem!

[@JenniferBrick]

It's so true tho!

[@baviquepuspaceno9812]

Hello Jennifer massive fan of your channel!! I used some tips to help out at work. Would it be possible for you to add timestamps to your videos? That would be really helpful when rewatching thank you 😊

[@gotinogaden]

Stick to statements relating to the job at hand instead of voicing (all too) personal opinions, half-baked predictions, complaining, gossip or "not my job" platitudes. Also, on an even more personal note, don't get too personal with that female colleague that acts all too nice around you, because she probably just isn't you and you're making it all up in your head, since you don't really know her, so it's the idea of her that you like, not the actual person.

[@JenniferBrick]

It's always safe to assume *everyone* you work with is being kind and professional and NOT that they are expressing romantic interest.

[@gotinogaden]

@@JenniferBrick Certainly so, but sometimes, our mind play games with our heart.

[@earthsteward9]

“Humans are going to human“ Awesome!

[@korygill5350]

Love your content!! one thing I know I’m bad at is office politics

[@JenniferBrick]

It's a learnable skill! Dive into my videos or check out my new workshop, they'll all be helpful!

[@christophergreen3809]

Don't say, "I don't know about..." when it's part of your expected skillset! It boomeranged back on me!

[@melissachanthalangsy3091]

1. "That's how we've always done it." 2. "That's not my job" 3. "That's not fair" 4. "I'll try" 5. "I am not getting paid enough for this" 6. "Did you hear about Person X" 7. "I assumed" 8."This was my fault" 9. Complaining (trauma bond and stew in your misery)

[@BxBL85]

me wraps complaints within sarcasm, memes and random jokes. Nobody will ever know if I am serious or not while I can vent openly whatever is bugging my mind.

[@bac0nknight691]

This will work until it doesn’t. The problem is it breaks the simulation of professionalism which depending on the person could also be a dealbreaker or a reason to put a target on your back

[@justin9605]

Thank you.

[@Pkrupie]

I know you are right… thank you for your videos! But… the more I watch you the more I think I will never achieve anything in the current company! I really think I do everything wrong to be successful in my company!

[@JenniferBrick]

Then you have two options, adapt to the politics of your current workplace, or find another opportunity that is aligned with how you want to succeed.

[@Pkrupie]

Thank you! I really admire how straight to the point you are! ❤

[@yiyiskinny]

I am struggling at my work place right now. There’s one manager who threw away my personal belongs while I was away from work without any notices or acknowledgment. She also likes to give me the least favorable tasks while assigning other girls better assignments. This frustrates me the most because I been working at this place longer than others and I am more capable of doing certain tasks that she gives to my colleagues. I talked to her and got into argument, my bad. She mentioned this to the higher boss and sent flying monkeys making people take her side. She blamed me for taking “breaks” while I was suffering from bronchitis and coughing my lungs out in front of customers and coworkers. She talks about me behind my back and shares my personal private texts (I sent to another manager) with others. Now my hours are cut to the minimum. I can’t just quit at this moment because the company is sponsoring my college and I still have 8 months left to graduate and earning my degree. So I really don’t know what to do at this point to stay sane.

[@crackhead4540]

Sounds like you made an enemy. Ask yourself what you did to deserve that.

[@yiyiskinny]

@@crackhead4540 if you are wondering why she threw away my stuffs the first place then I don’t even know. She happen to like to do that to feel power. She threw away someone’s clothes couple years ago as well don’t know why. I don’t like this gaslighting

[@gioiazucchero]

Thanks!

[@JenniferBrick]

You got first comment today!

[@gioiazucchero]

@@JenniferBrick Nice! Jennifer Brick always looking out for me at the perfect time 👍🏽

[@davidellis5141]

Hello Jennifer 🌞 - Thanks for helping us maximize our potential & earnings ! You should run for political office ..I'd vote 🗳 for you 😊

[@JenniferBrick]

Haha, in another life that was one of my plans. But in America politics are too binary and too toxic for me.

[@Baseballbruja]

What if i have done some of these things? Can it be fixed. Ive complained and said thats not fair

[@douglawsonmarketing]

BOOM!

[@JenniferBrick]

💥💥💥

[@TheSupervillain316]

I agree with stepping up to show your skills definitely. However, when you have done so several times and never are good enough to get paid bat what point do you change the focus?

[@JenniferBrick]

The question is always going to be: will this action get me the result I want. At first, you won't know... and the results won't be instantenous. However, if overtime, your overachievement is going unrewarded, then a) I think it's valid to talk to your manager about the fact you're performing at the next level and what's the map to get there, and b) if the opportunity isn't where you are, where is it (i.e. activate a job search).

[@TheSupervillain316]

@@JenniferBrick definitely. I've done it before in hopes of the exposure, knowledge, etc but it seems that it's a one way street. Sadly the actual roles go to those who have family in the company

[@sherylb.3197]

Who gets promoted multiple times a year!?! Unless in college or high school working in fast food or retail??

[@LindseyObrooke]

Someone who is great at their job + in the right place at the right time.

[@JenniferBrick]

I did in an F500 company.

[@TheNewbSauce]

I've been doing things far out of my scope for years. Even without being asked. I found out last month that some one far less valuable than I was making the same wage. So I put together a nice presentation based on my merit and mine alone. Accompanied by receipts, and other visual aids. I was going to ask for a wage that was more reasonable for the work I have been preforming. They wouldn't even take the meeting. So doing things out of your job description just makes it so management expects you to do these things. Could have sworn you have already touched on this subject in other videos. It feels like you're contradicting yourself here.

[@bencharlie9509]

Love your videos but it would be nice if you would slow your speech pattern down. I have to always turn on CC because you go at lightning speed voice wise and some of your message gets lost.

[@JenniferBrick]

This is the slowest I can speak. I happen to have to same pace of Tony Robbins... Not sure if people tell him to slow down too.

[@Kilaueaorph4n]

Just adjust the playback speed. 👌

[@BePatientSeeLove]

That's not my job needs to have balance I will do somebody else job just not all the time😂😂😂

[@august21xp]

Never offend the brownosers and insecure leaders and managers because you will get fired , it’s better to find a new job instead while playing the game !

[@amanda-p12]

I assume you're differentiating complaining from constructive criticism? Or if a tox person you can't work out issues with 1:1 after trying, you can bring this to your manager right?

[@knockzdoorz5813]

“Constructive criticism" no such thing it’s just a pretty word to defer from being called criticism. Criticism is just negative no matter how they want to sugar coat.

[@minuettewelborn]

I had a coworker who used to say "that's not fair" about pretty much everything. She was the most unprofessional coworker I'd ever had the displeasure of working with, very immature and entitled person.

[@JenniferBrick]

Sounds like a nightmare to work with.

[@minuettewelborn]

@@JenniferBrick She was. The good thing is that it made me VERY aware of every time I said or thought "that's not fair" in my own personal life haha

[@the.blue.raven7777]

Expect for when it's true. What is wrong with saying that ? Should we accept any abuse ?

[@DBos617]

👍🏻

[@cloverlengocphuong2197]

la lecon importee

[@nemoa7692]

Can you please use the name 'Mustafa' when you are referting to male instead of Chad 😂 next video. Love your vids ❤

[@JenniferBrick]

lol Mustafa is a good visual.

[@u.s.a.198]

Tip # 27 Tell all your co workers " Meet me at the men's room, everyone has to see the monster i gave birth to in the toilet! Don't worry I didn't flush " Bring cell phones for pics and videos. You may want to hold your breath for this one.

[@smolville]

Some of us old guys in the shop who haven't worked with a lot of women except for the biker chick and the lesbian or the woman who prints our check. When we start a new job in our 60's, woman should be warned about us. I don't know where you learned management, but it don't work on us. We will hurt you.

[@JenniferBrick]

Have you considered retirement if you're not able to work with others?

[@smolville]

I am and loving it.

[@brasguven742]

You’ll have to spread the word of loving retirement to the other “old guys”😅

[@freesiahevnosey6124]

i've seen this as well. it's a weird dynamic where a rich nepo baby will end up in a position of power over a bunch of older men. they try to act morally superior while pretending like everyone does not know the nepo baby is making 3 times the salary. some of these men are super misogynistic don't get me wrong, but if you waltz in freshly hired into an upper management position making 3 x the salary of everyone else and most of those men have never been promoted even after working for the company after 15 years . . . well, you kind of deserve the aggression you get.

[@mba2ceo]

WRONG. Exploiter will NEVER reward U only incentives U