Last week I made a list of the dumbest things you can say in the office. At many requests (and because there are more things you better not say in the office garden) here follows a follow-up.
1. I'm bored
Once in my life (let's hope it stays that way) I fired an intern on the spot. He had posted four yawning photos of himself on Instagram (on Instagrám, on INSTAGRAM) with the caption: I’m so bored. Thank god it’s almost weekend.
Being bored radiates everything an employer does not want to see. And you are way too fun and entrepreneurial to be bored. Take on a new project, make everyone tea, come up with new systems, something, anything.
2. I worked all night
You are super proud of yourself and hope for pats on the back and bows from your boss. He will surely appreciate that you have so much heart for the business, but strangely enough, it does not reflect well on you. You are expected to complete your work within the time allotted. If that is not the case, you may not be quite ready for this level.
3. Evaluating your illness extensively
My colleagues know that I am not a fan of absenteeism. Of course, a person can get sick and I find that very unfortunate for you, but I prefer that someone tries to work and leaves for home if it doesn't work rather than someone texting me: I think I'm feeling a flu coming on so I’ll stay home just to be safe.
But anyway, assuming you were really sick (with fever and all), the last thing your colleagues are waiting for when you come back to the office is an elaborate description of your sickbed. Because of your flu, everyone has already gotten more work on their plate, so when you are there, we prefer that you roll up your sleeves and be extra nice to your colleagues rather than listen to your stories. Do you think I'm strict? A bit, right, but believe me; your supervisor thinks the same way.
4. What should I do now?
Your employer expects you to be able to work independently and actively look around for what you could pick up. Of course, you can indicate that you have some extra time and are available for additional tasks. Even better is when you have already thought about what you think needs to be done and present that to your supervisor. He/she will be dancing with joy.
