The performance review: a sacred ritual where you sit down with your boss to dissect your achievements, potential, and areas that need a little polish. It’s a delicate dance, a tête-à-tête that could spark a thrilling promotion or a disheartening critique. While you might be tempted to blurt out whatever comes to mind, there are certain things best left unsaid during these pivotal conversations. Let’s explore 15 phrases to avoid if you want to keep your performance review productive, professional, and yes, even a tad glamorous.
1. “That’s Not My Job.”
The impulse to distance yourself from certain responsibilities is understandable, especially in an era where job descriptions morph faster than a fashion week lineup. However, blurting out “That’s not my job” during a performance review can make you seem uncooperative or worse, disinterested in the broader success of your team. According to career coach and Forbes contributor Marty Nemko, being adaptable and open to diverse tasks is often seen as a hallmark of a high-value employee. Instead, frame your willingness to stretch beyond your current job description as an opportunity to learn and grow within the company.
Try saying something like, “I enjoy taking on different challenges, although I sometimes find it tough when unexpected tasks arise.” This approach signals curiosity and a readiness to adapt, without appearing like you’re shirking responsibilities. It’s all about balance, showing you’re both a team player and someone who knows where their primary contributions lie. You might even find that your willingness to tackle varied tasks becomes a key selling point in your quest for advancement.
2. “I’m Doing My Best.”
At first glance, “I’m doing my best” sounds like a reasonable declaration of effort and dedication. Yet, the phrase can inadvertently come across as defensive, as if you’re bracing against criticism rather than welcoming constructive advice. Performance reviews are an opportunity for growth, and positioning yourself as closed off to improvement can limit your development. Swap this phrase for a statement that reflects a growth mindset, like “I’m always looking for ways to improve.”
This sends a clear message that you’re committed to both your current role and your future potential without erecting barriers to feedback. It signals that you see this as an ongoing journey rather than a final destination. Plus, it sets the stage for a candid conversation about resources or support you might need to elevate your performance. Remember, being receptive is a strength, not a vulnerability.
3. “I Didn’t Know I Was Supposed To Do That.”
Blaming ignorance might seem like a plausible defense when confronted with unmet expectations. Yet, it can easily be perceived as a lack of initiative or proactivity, traits highly prized in any workplace. A recent study by the Harvard Business Review found that proactive employees performed significantly better and reported higher job satisfaction. Rather than deflecting responsibility, express a desire to understand and learn from the oversight.
Try something along the lines of, “Thank you for pointing that out—I’ll make sure to clarify expectations in the future.” This response shows accountability and a willingness to rectify misunderstandings promptly. It turns a potentially negative moment into a constructive dialogue about how to align better with team goals. It’s about crafting a narrative where you’re a proactive problem-solver, not a passive participant.
4. “I Don’t Get Along With [Colleague’s Name].”
Highlighting interpersonal conflicts during your review can make you appear unprofessional or difficult to work with. It casts a shadow over your individual achievements and shifts the focus to personal grievances rather than professional accomplishments. Instead, frame any interpersonal challenges in a constructive way, emphasizing collaboration and team dynamics. You could say, “I’m working on building stronger relationships with my team.”
This approach demonstrates emotional intelligence and a commitment to fostering a healthy work environment. It marks you out as someone who values team cohesion and is willing to put in the effort to improve dynamics. Moreover, it keeps the conversation centered around your developmental goals and potential contributions to the team. Remember, diplomacy in the workplace is a skill that can elevate your professional profile significantly.
5. “I Just Want A Raise/Promotion.”
Marching into a performance review with a single-minded focus on a raise or promotion can make you appear transactional. It might suggest that your commitment wavers once your financial or hierarchical desires are met. Instead, pivot the conversation toward your performance and contributions, and how they align with the organization’s goals. Dr. Alan Benson, an expert in labor and employment relations, notes that employees who align their career aspirations with company objectives often see more substantial long-term gains.
You might say, “I’m really proud of the results I’ve achieved this year and am eager to discuss how I can continue to grow and contribute meaningfully.” This phrasing underscores that you’re invested in the company’s success, not just your paycheck. The nuanced approach can make your aspirations for advancement seem natural and mutually beneficial. It’s a strategic way to pave the path toward that eventual promotion or raise.
6. “I Haven’t Received Enough Feedback.”
Claiming a lack of feedback can come across as an attempt to shift responsibility away from yourself. While it’s crucial to receive guidance, it’s equally important to actively seek it out throughout the year, not just during reviews. Instead of making a blanket statement, express a desire for more ongoing feedback to enhance your performance. You could say, “I really value feedback and would love to receive more of it throughout the year to keep improving.”
This approach shows initiative and a commitment to continuous development beyond the confines of formal reviews. It also opens the door to setting up regular check-ins or feedback sessions, allowing you to course-correct and excel. By demonstrating that you’re proactive about your growth, you solidify your standing as a motivated and driven team player. It’s about turning a potential shortcoming into an opportunity for ongoing professional development.
7. “I’m Too Busy For That Task.”
Declaring your busyness can unwittingly communicate a lack of efficiency or prioritization skills. Everyone juggles a multitude of tasks, and part of excelling is managing them adeptly. Research from the Journal of Applied Psychology highlights that employees who exhibit effective time management are often perceived as more competent and are more likely to receive promotions. Rather than dismissing a responsibility outright, discuss prioritization with your manager.
Consider saying, “I’m currently focused on several key projects, but I’d love to discuss how we can prioritize this additional task.” This response shows that you’re on top of your workload and open to strategic adjustments. It also invites a collaborative dialogue about how best to align your efforts with team objectives. Demonstrating that you value strategic prioritization reflects well on your organizational abilities and forward-thinking attitude.
8. “That Wasn’t My Fault.”
Pointing fingers during a performance review can undermine your credibility and paint you as someone who deflects responsibility. Taking ownership of your actions, even when outcomes aren’t favorable, is a key component of professional maturity. Rather than assigning blame, focus on what you learned from the situation and how it can be applied moving forward. Consider saying, “I learned a lot from that experience and am implementing changes to avoid similar issues in the future.”
This statement reflects accountability and a focus on growth, showing that you can learn from missteps without getting bogged down in the blame game. It positions you as someone who values progress over perfection and is willing to make adjustments when necessary. Remember, resilience and adaptability are traits highly regarded in any professional setting. By transforming a setback into a learning opportunity, you demonstrate both humility and forward momentum.
9. “No One Told Me.”
The “no one told me” defense often appears as a flimsy excuse that detracts from your reliability and diligence. It can mark you as someone who doesn’t actively seek out necessary information or stay engaged with team communications. Instead, transform this declaration into a proactive stance on communication improvement. You might say, “I realize I missed some important updates and am taking steps to ensure I stay more informed.”
This approach acknowledges the oversight while signaling a commitment to better information management. It positions you as someone who takes initiative to improve communication pathways, both in receiving and disseminating information. By actively addressing the gap, you convey a readiness to step up and ensure smoother team operations. It’s about crafting a narrative where you’re an engaged and informed participant in the workplace.
10. “This Is How We’ve Always Done It.”
Invoking tradition as a defense for current practices can make you appear resistant to change or innovation. In an ever-evolving work landscape, the ability to adapt and embrace new methods is essential for staying relevant. Rather than relying on the comfort of established routines, express openness to fresh ideas and improvements. You could say, “I’m open to exploring new ways to enhance our current practices.”
This statement signals a willingness to innovate and grow while respecting the value of existing methods. It suggests you’re a forward-thinking team member who values continuous improvement. By demonstrating enthusiasm for evolution, you align yourself with the dynamic nature of modern business environments. Embracing change doesn’t mean discarding the past, but it does mean being open to a better future.
11. “I Deserve Special Treatment.”
Requesting special treatment can come across as entitled or out of touch with team dynamics. While everyone wants their unique contributions recognized, a better strategy is to highlight how your efforts benefit the broader team or company. Instead of appearing self-centered, frame your achievements in the context of collective success. Consider saying, “I’m proud of the impact my projects have had on our team goals.”
This reframing underscores your value while keeping the focus on shared achievements. It shows you understand the importance of collaboration and collective progress. By aligning your accomplishments with team success, you make a stronger case for recognition and reward. It’s all about positioning yourself as an integral part of the bigger picture, not an isolated star.
12. “That Won’t Work.”
Dismissing an idea or project outright can signal stubbornness or a lack of problem-solving skills. In a performance review, you want to showcase your adaptability and willingness to engage with challenges. Rather than shutting down possibilities, propose constructive alternatives or express a willingness to explore solutions. You might say, “I see potential challenges, but I’m keen to explore ways to overcome them.”
This response highlights your critical thinking and collaborative spirit, portraying you as a solution-oriented team player. It also opens the door for brainstorming and innovation, reflecting your readiness to contribute to the team’s success. By expressing optimism and practical thinking, you enhance your reputation as a valued collaborator. Remember, being open to new ideas is often the first step toward progress.
13. “I Can’t Do More With Less.”
Although constraints are a reality in many work environments, declaring defeat in the face of limited resources can undermine your resourcefulness. Companies often value employees who thrive despite challenges, and expressing adaptability can set you apart. Instead of focusing on limitations, discuss how you’re maximizing current resources and seeking efficiencies. You could say, “I’ve been working on optimizing resources and am eager to find more effective solutions.”
This statement demonstrates resilience and a proactive approach to problem-solving. It shows you’re committed to delivering results, even in less-than-ideal circumstances. By highlighting your efforts to streamline processes, you reinforce your value as a resourceful and determined team member. The ability to do more with less is a prized skill that underscores your adaptability in today’s ever-evolving work environment.
14. “What You’re Asking Is Impossible.”
Approaching tasks with a mindset of impossibility can limit your potential and stifle innovation. While not every idea is feasible, presenting an optimistic, solution-oriented attitude is more effective. Instead of dismissing an idea outright, consider exploring the possibilities and constraints. You might say, “There are challenges to consider, but I’m open to exploring ways to make it feasible.”
This approach communicates that you’re willing to engage with complex problems and work collaboratively to find solutions. It portrays you as a resilient problem solver who’s unafraid to confront difficulties head-on. By focusing on what can be accomplished, instead of what can’t, you project an optimistic, can-do attitude. Remember, innovation often begins with the willingness to explore the seemingly impossible.
15. “I Don’t Need Extra Training.”
Turning down opportunities for additional training can suggest stagnation or complacency in your professional development. In a world that prizes lifelong learning, showing enthusiasm for skill enhancement is crucial. Instead of dismissing training, express interest in opportunities that align with your career goals. You could say, “I’d love to explore training opportunities that align with my career development plans.”
This response signals that you’re committed to growing your capabilities and contributing more effectively to the team. It also opens the door to discussions about tailored development paths that benefit both you and the organization. By positioning yourself as eager to expand your skill set, you reinforce your value as a dynamic, evolving professional. It’s about embracing growth opportunities as a pathway to greater achievements.
