When it comes to the workplace, trust is key. Employees need to trust their managers in order to feel comfortable taking risks and be productive. Managers, in turn, need to trust their employees in order to delegate tasks and give them the freedom to make decisions. Unfortunately, many managers say things that damage this trust relationship. So, let’s discuss five of the most common phrases that managers use that kill employees’ trust. Words can Speak Louder than Actions Managers should avoid the following phrases in order to maintain a trusting relationship with their employees. Trust is essential for a healthy workplace and these phrases can damage that trust relationship. Employees need to feel comfortable coming to their managers with questions and concerns, and they need to know that their manager will be open and transparent with them. The employee-manager relationship is one of the primary components to a strong organizational structure. Employees rely on their managers for career development and guidance on how to improve their skills. One of the elements of a successful employee-manager relationship is trust. When the sense of trust is strong between an employee and manager, it adds efficiency to other elements of workplace productivity. —Houston Chronicle Small Business When managers use these phrases, it sends the opposite message. It makes employees feel unimportant and disregarded. It creates uncertainty and frustration, which leads to a lack of trust on the part of the employees. And that, of course, results in a negative impact on morale, productivity, and overall company culture — three poison pills that can cause actual, long-lasting damage. Five Phrases Managers should Avoid to Avoid Destroying Employee Trust We’ve all heard the age-old wisdom about sticks and stones breaking bones but words never inflicting harm. Of course, this philosophy is entirely contextual because we all vividly remember instances when words cut deep. While these phrases aren’t intended to insult or hurt, they nevertheless undermine your authority, respect, and relatability. So, avoid using the following phrases because they will slowly kill employee’s trust: “I’m the boss, I don’t have to explain my decisions.” This phrase is incredibly damaging to trust. Employees need to feel like they can come to their managers with questions and that their manager will be open and transparent with them. When a manager uses this phrase, it sends the message that the employee is not valued and that their opinion does not matter. It also makes the manager seem like they are hiding something. This can lead to employees feeling uncomfortable coming to their managers with questions or suggestions, which can hurt productivity and morale. “I’m too busy to deal with this right now.” This phrase often comes across as dismissive and unprofessional. It sends the message that the employee’s concerns are not a priority and that their manager is too busy to deal with them. This can make employees feel unimportant and disregarded. It can also lead to them feeling like they are not able to come to their manager with problems or concerns, which can hurt morale and productivity. “I’ll get back to you.” This phrase often comes across as ambiguous and frustrating for employees. Employees want to know what is going on and they want answers from their managers. When a manager says this phrase, it sends the message that the employee is being ignored and that their question is not important. It also creates uncertainty, which can lead to employees feeling anxious and stressed. “I’m not sure, let me check on that.” This phrase is often used as a way to avoid making a decision or taking responsibility. It sends the message that the manager is not capable of making decisions and that they are not in charge. This can make employees feel like they are not being taken seriously and that their concerns are not important. It can also lead to frustration and a lack of trust on the part of the employees. “That’s not my job.” This phrase communicates that the manager does not care about their employees or their job responsibilities. It sends the message that the employee is unimportant and that their job is irrelevant. This can lead to employees feeling unvalued and unmotivated. It can also cause them to feel like they are not able to come to their manager with questions or concerns, which can hurt morale and productivity. Which other phrases would you include in this list? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Financial expert and best-selling author Dave Ramsey occasionally tells a brief story about his road to success. Unsurprisingly, it involves an obstacle that he had to face and eventually overcome – his southern drawl or accent. When he started out in radio, he faced pushback from station managers in the north (particularly the northeast) who told him that their local audiences wouldn’t take him seriously because he had a southern accent. It was a cultural bias, but a real one, nonetheless. Folks up north just didn’t take him seriously. How New Entrepreneurs Can Deal with People Who Don’t Take Them Seriously in Business Entrepreneurship can be a difficult journey, and one of the biggest challenges that many entrepreneurs face is dealing with people who don’t take them seriously in the business world. Whether it’s investors, potential clients, or even friends and family, not being taken seriously can be demoralizing and discouraging. However, there are several strategies that entrepreneurs can use to overcome this obstacle and gain the respect they deserve. Develop a clear and compelling value proposition One of the most effective ways to gain credibility in the business world is to develop a clear and compelling value proposition. This means clearly articulating what your business does, why it matters, and what sets it apart from competitors. A strong value proposition can help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate to others that you are serious about your business. Build a strong network Another way to gain credibility and overcome skepticism is to build a strong network of supporters and advocates. This includes mentors, advisors, investors, and other entrepreneurs who can vouch for your skills and expertise. A strong network can also provide valuable feedback and support as you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Focus on results In the business world, results speak louder than words. By focusing on delivering results and achieving measurable goals, you can demonstrate your credibility and expertise. This may involve conducting market research, developing a minimum viable product, or securing initial customers. By showing that you can deliver on your promises, you can gain the trust and respect of others. Be confident and persistent Confidence and persistence are key traits for any successful entrepreneur. Even when faced with skepticism and criticism, it’s important to stay confident in your abilities and your business. This may involve practicing your pitch, seeking feedback, and developing a thick skin. Persistence is also important, as building a successful business often involves overcoming obstacles and setbacks. Stay focused on your vision Finally, it’s important to stay focused on your vision for your business. This may involve making tough decisions and taking risks, but ultimately it’s your vision that will guide you through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. By staying true to your vision and working tirelessly to achieve your goals, you can overcome skepticism and build a successful business. All and all, dealing with people who don’t take you seriously in the business world can be challenging, but it’s not impossible – with the right attitude and tools, you can gain the respect and credibility you deserve as an entrepreneur. So, what other bits of advice would you add to these? Please, take a moment to comment with your own thoughts and experiences in order to benefit others! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.