Sentence 1: “It seems that we have some tiny issues.” Function: To tell a piece of bad news in the most indirect manner. If you rush into your boss’s office with a piece of bad news, he will doubt your ability in handling crisis even though it has nothing to do with you. Instead, you should say this sentence calmly and in a flat voice, so that your boss will have a feeling that the problems are solvable and that you will stand by him. Sentence 2: “I will handle it immediately.” Function: To show your responsibility and efficiency. By making such a calm and quick response, you will impress your boss as a highly efficient subordinate. On the contrary, any indecision will annoy him since he already has many responsibilities. Sentence 3: “Angela’s idea is great.” Function: To show your team spirit. Although you desperately want to think faster than your colleagues, it is Angela who has come up with a fantastic idea that wins the boss’s appreciation. Rather than drawing a long face, you should offer your praise to show your team spirit and to attract the attention of your boss. Sentence 4: “I can’t finish this report without your help.” Function: To persuade a colleague to help you. When you have a difficult task which you cannot accomplish by yourself, how to persuade the co-worker who excels in this area to willingly help you? The answer is flatteries. Usually your kind-hearted colleague will agree to help in order to live up to his reputation. Sentence 5“Please allow me to think it over and I will reply you by three o’clock.” Function: To strategically avoid something you don’t know. When your boss asks you a business-related question to which you don’t have an answer at the moment, never say “I don’t know”.
Use this sentence. It will not only save you from trouble, but also helps to leave an impression on your boss that you are really focusing your attention on business. Yet, afterwards you should do your homework and give your timely reply. Sentence 6: “I really want to know your ideas about…” Function: To flatter your boss appropriately. When you happen to be in the same room with a senior manager, it is the best opportunity for you to win flavor. But what should you say? No topic is better than an intriguing issue concerning the company’s prospects. When he is talking eloquently, you will benefit from his remarks as well as his impression about your ambition. Sentence 7: “It was an oversight, but fortunately…” Function: To admit an error without annoying your boss. To err is human. It is very important to admit errors, but it is not necessary to apologize to everyone. The knack is that you should avoid criticism rained upon you by shifting people’s attention from your mistake. Sentence 8: “Thank you for telling me this. I will consider your proposal very carefully.” Function: To receive criticism imperturbably. It is indeed unpleasant to face criticism about your performance. However, you don’t have to show your discontentment. Imperturbation will make you look more confident and respectable.