No matter big or small if you are the CEO of the company you have to keep it in mind that your employees look up to you. So not only it is your responsibility to set a safe and motivational working environment, but you should also be conscious that how you should speak to your employees.
Being an executive in a company can be stressful no doubt, like a juggler trying to keep several things in the air all at once. But there are certain things you should never say to your employee as some words can come off unprofessional and hurtful to your employees.
“I don’t care what you think!”
It’s a highly negative statement that could cause abrasion throughout the workplace. I agree that your employee may not have the best idea for your business project or plan, but try to regulate their opinion in such a way that is helpful and constructive.
Instead of saying “I don’t need your ideas”, try to consider employee’s suggestion and guide him to make it more powerful. You can say something like this “This won’t work in current scenario, but maybe next time”
“Because I said so”
The more power you have the gentler and calm your approach should be. Keep imposing on them your power is not a good practice. Comments like “I am the boss” or “I pay you to work not to think” create a negative impact on your employee’s mind.
“You don’t know how to work, Watch your fellow”
Such statements which indicate that you compare your employees generate negative emotions such as jealousy, bitterness, and hatred. Such comparisons can lead your workers to lose confidence in performing a particular task.
“You are Dumb”
Giving your feedback to your employees is essential for their improvement and growth. Observe more and use your discretion when it comes to such a situation that you didn’t want to happen. Criticism does nothing to improve the work performance instead it demoralize a person. Give your employees a breathing space, and don’t infantilize them.
“I can Fire you”
Employees know that you have the authority to hire and fire. Statements like “I can easily replace you” reflect the misuse of your power. Keep threatening your employees that you can fire them is a sure way to demoralize them.
“You all are * *”
Don’t ever abuse your employees. It doesn’t suit any executive offer to use abusive language with their employees. Everyone has self-respect. There are other ways to make them realize of their inefficiencies, but abusing create an offensive behavior against you and you lose your respect as well.
“I will deduct your pay”
Your employees are humans like you, they will make mistakes. If any employee makes a lot of mistakes, you need to address them through coaching, counseling and friendly warnings. Mistakes occur in the normal course of business. But if you think that employees should pay for their mistakes, do you pay to them for your mistakes?
Final Thoughts
As a leader, you should keep your behavior gentle and strive to set a good example. Lessons are learned from missed goals and failure is the key of true delegation. If you avoid these negative words you will experience sincere and engaged employees who truly enjoy their work and contribute to the well-being and growth of your company.