... 6 things not to tell your boss ...

Why one person gets a promotion

and another doesn't often comes

down to these well-intentioned

but ill-advised works

1. " I want your job." These words came out of Abby's mouth on the second day of her new job. In 5 years, Abby hasn't been promoted once. Certainly, a good boss appreciates ambition in her employees, but no one wants to swim in a tank of piranhas. So maybe you do want to be the boss someday. That's a great goal, but it's better left a private one.

Susan Kleinman, author of Real Life 101: The Graduate's Guide to Survival (MasterMedia Ltd.), says it's okay to let your boss know what you care abut creating better opportunities for yourself. "But make sure he knows that you want to help yourself and the company.""

2. "You're a jerk." Indeed, your boss may be, but if you value your job, you'll let someone else lecture him on his behaviour. If you must speak up, approach him in a positive manner with gentle suggestions.

Kleiman explains, "Don't criticize. Communicate! If there's a problem, let our goal be to find a solution, not vent your anger." Use tact: don't attack.

3. "I'm just here until something better comes along." Tell your boss hat or give that impression, and your days are numbered. In the first place, something better may not come along. You'll be stuck in a job where you're perceived as a disgruntled employee or troublemaker. On the other hand, you may decide you like your job after all. Now you'll never move up - only out!

"In our increasingly mobile society, everyone has his or her eyes open for better opportunities," says Kleinman. "However, your boss needs to feel that you're completely committed to your job."

4. "I'd never consider a move, work different hours, or take on new tasks." Are you uncomfortable with change? Remember, too much rigidity will keep you in an assistant's position till retirement. Even if you really don't relish working the lobster shift during a crunch or moving to the other side of the Continent, don't be too vocal about it. A change may never come to pass. And if it does, remember this: Those who are willing to move for a company move in a company.

5. "I'm scared to give it a try." You may very well b terrified of meeting with a client or heading a project for the fist time. Discuss strategies with your boss (who's eager to see you succeed), but vent fears with friends or family. Then do your "homework", and dive right in. Trying something new will jumpstart your confidence and give you a better chance at climbing the ladder!

6. "Or else..." Never give your boss an ultimatum, Kleinman warns.

"Those are 2 words you never want to use. If you threaten to quit because you're unhappy, our boss may very well call your bluff. That's no way to get what you want."

After the blunder - Taking your foot out of your mouth

What if you've already blurted out one of these career-killing cracks'? Pack up your desk? Throw out your business cards?

An obvious change of heart will usually find you back in the boss's good graces. Or you might consider scheduling a conference with your boss to discuss your feelings.

The One Thing your boss absolutely must know

... That you are committed to your job.

Susan Kleinman says that a boss loves to hear an employees say, "Please let me know how I can do an even better job."

"Those words are important for 2 reasons," says Kleinman. "First, if there is a problem, you're better off knowing about it as early as possible. Asking that question gives the boss an opening to dispense some constructive criticism.

"Second, approaching the boss this way communicates your willingness to give 110% to your job."

Then you might just get that corner office. You know, the one with the window.

(extracted from lifestyle sep 09 magazine pp. 110-111)