If you want to be more respected by your colleagues, say goodbye to these 7 common phrases
Respect isn’t something you can demand—it’s something you earn.
Yet, many of us sabotage that effort with the very words we use every day.
In the professional world, your choice of phrases can either build trust and admiration or lead to frustration and lost credibility.
Some of the most common expressions we fall back on, without a second thought, might be quietly undermining our success.
In this article, we’ll dive into seven phrases that you should stop using immediately if you want to earn the respect of your peers and foster stronger workplace relationships.
1) “I can’t”
The professional world highly values problem solvers, those who face challenges head-on and find solutions.
However, if you constantly use the phrase “I can’t”, it gives off an impression of defeatism.
It suggests to others that when faced with a challenging task, you’re quick to give up, rather than try and find solutions.
This phrase can cause colleagues to question your work ethic and resilience, which could affect their respect for you.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s okay to acknowledge difficulties.
But instead of saying “I can’t”, it would be more beneficial to say “Let’s find a different approach” or “I’ll need some assistance with this”.
This shows that you’re open to learning and willing to take on challenges, traits that command respect in any professional setting.
The goal isn’t to be perfect. It’s about showing a positive attitude and willingness to learn – factors that earn respect among colleagues.
2) “That’s not my job”
Early in my career, I was assigned to a project that wasn’t exactly in my job description.
I remember one of my colleagues saying, “That’s not my job.”
Immediately, I noticed the impact of that phrase.
It created a divide within the team and reflected a lack of willingness to step outside of his comfort zone.
In contrast, I decided to accept the task. Yes, it was challenging, and yes, it required me to acquire new skills. But guess what? It paid off.
Not only did I learn something new, but I also gained the respect of my team.
The phrase “That’s not my job” can be damaging in a professional context.
It can make you appear uncooperative and rigid, which are not traits that earn you respect.
3) “It’s always been done this way”
Innovation is the lifeblood of any successful company.
The iPhone, Google’s search engine, Amazon’s online marketplace; all were born out of a desire to challenge the status quo.
When you utter the words “It’s always been done this way”, it can stifle creativity and innovation.
It sends a message that you’re resistant to change and new ideas, which can hamper progress.
The business world is constantly evolving, and companies that don’t adapt often get left behind.
Kodak, for example, once dominated the photography industry but failed to adapt to the digital age and consequently lost its market leadership.
Instead of clinging to old ways, embrace new methods and ideas.
A phrase like “That’s an interesting approach, let’s explore it” shows that you’re open to changes and improvements.
This adaptability is highly respected in the business world.
4) “But I thought…”
Miscommunication happens. It’s part of life.
But starting your sentence with “But I thought…” can signal that you didn’t take the time to clarify or understand instructions correctly initially.
This phrase can make you appear careless and unprepared, which could lessen your colleagues’ respect for you.
Instead of saying “But I thought…”, try using phrases like “Let me confirm…” or “To make sure I understand correctly…”.
This will show that you’re proactive in seeking clarity and reducing misunderstandings, traits that can improve your standing among your peers.
It’s better to ask too many questions than make assumptions, especially in a professional environment.
5) “I’m always right”
In my younger years, I had a hard time admitting when I was wrong.
I’d often say, “I’m always right,” thinking it made me appear confident and knowledgeable.
What I didn’t realize then was that it actually made me appear arrogant and inflexible.
Admitting you’re wrong can be tough, I know.
But saying “I’m always right” can give your colleagues the impression that you’re unwilling to listen to their ideas or accept feedback.
It can make them feel undervalued and disrespected.
Instead, when you find yourself in a situation where you’ve made a mistake, simply admit it and say, “You’re right, I was wrong.”
This shows humility, a willingness to learn, and respect for others’ perspectives — traits that will surely earn you respect in return.
Nobody’s perfect. We all make mistakes. The important thing is how we handle them.
6) “It’s not my fault”
Blame-shifting can be a natural defensive response when things go wrong.
However, using the phrase “It’s not my fault” can negatively affect your professional image.
This phrase can give the impression that you’re unwilling to take responsibility for your actions, which can damage your credibility and the respect others have for you.
If you find yourself in a situation where something has gone wrong, rather than pointing fingers, say something like, “Let’s figure out what happened and how we can prevent it in the future.”
This proactive approach demonstrates accountability and maturity, traits that are highly respected in any professional setting.
Owning up to your mistakes and learning from them is a clear sign of personal growth and responsibility.
7) “I don’t have time”
Everyone is busy.
But the phrase “I don’t have time” can give off the impression that you’re not willing to make time for your colleagues or their concerns, which can harm your professional relationships.
Instead, try saying “Let’s schedule a time to discuss this further.”
This conveys that you value the other person’s input and are willing to prioritize them.
Respect is earned through actions, not words.
Showing consideration for others’ time and needs is one of the quickest ways to gain respect in any setting.
Words matter
Our language shapes our world.
The phrases we use, often without thinking, can significantly impact how others perceive us.
In the professional sphere, your credibility and respect are directly influenced by the words you choose to express your thoughts and ideas.
The seven phrases we’ve discussed are common in everyday conversation.
However, their usage can inadvertently create a negative impression, affecting the respect you receive from your colleagues.
By replacing these phrases with more constructive ones, you demonstrate traits like humility, accountability, and flexibility—traits that command respect in any professional setting.
It’s not about changing who you are.
It’s about developing a communication style that reflects your best self.
Because at the end of the day, your words are a reflection of you.
So choose them wisely.