1. Don’t know

    Rule no. 1, don’t ever say ‘don’t know’ to the boss. They ask  something because they have trust on you , will help them find an answer. So, even if you don’t know the answer, tell will find out and get back with solution.

  2. That’s not how we used to operate

    No comparisons. More than pointing a finger on the operational capabilities of the current boss, it shows you in a bad light. Your boss will feel you are rigid and not flexible and adaptable.

  3. Don’t have time

    One should never say that to the boss, it undermines one’s own significance. This statement positions one as someone who is lacking. It has to be ‘I Can’ or ‘I Will’ always. Even if one are neck-deep in work try taking out sometime and do that extra work.

  4. Can’t believe what you did

    Bosses are also humans and can make mistakes. Bad decisions or good one should not pass any derogatory comments for the bosses.One can always critique an idea before a decision is made, but after a decision has been made, never critique ,it will be seen as negative.

  5. We all feel the same way

    Don’t generalise statements. It could be the case that majority of the employees hold the same opinion about a certain thing but going outright and telling that to your boss on their face is incorrect. What if he doesn’t feel the same and what if when confronted nobody comes forth to take a stand?