In the world of business, words matter.
They can make or break a deal, a partnership and even a reputation.
What you say, and how you say it, can have a profound impact on how others perceive you.
Let’s face it, in business, perception is reality.
However, there’s a catch: If your words aren’t backed by genuine intent, it can lead to mistrust, misunderstanding, and missed opportunities.
It’s not just about what you say, but what you truly mean.
Psychology has a lot to say about this topic.
Here are seven things you should never utter unless you wholeheartedly mean them.
Being authentic isn’t just good for your conscience—it’s also good for business.
1) “I’m fine…”
We’ve all been there: You’re having a tough day, and someone asks you how you’re doing.
The easiest response? “I’m fine.”
Are you really fine, though? Chances are, you’re not.
This is a classic example of saying something you don’t genuinely mean.
It’s not just damaging to yourself—it can have a knock-on effect on your relationships, both personal and professional.
Why? Because authenticity builds trust, and trust is essential in any business setting.
When you tell someone you’re fine when you’re not, you’re essentially saying that you don’t trust them enough to share your true feelings or that you’re not comfortable being vulnerable in front of them.
As renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
2) “I didn’t have time…”
How many times have we said, “I didn’t have time,” when in reality, we just didn’t prioritize it?
I remember a time when I had to submit a report for a project.
The deadline was approaching, but instead of working on it, I chose to watch a new episode of my favorite TV show.
When my boss asked about the report, my immediate response was, “I didn’t have time.”
It was a lie—I had the time, but I just chose to spend it differently.
This phrase is not only an excuse but also a reflection of our priorities and commitment.
It signals unreliability and can lead to mistrust, especially in a business setting.
3) “I’m sorry if you feel that way…”
Have you ever apologized just for the sake of it? An apology that lacks sincerity can be worse than no apology at all.
“I’m sorry if you feel that way” is often an attempt to defuse a situation without acknowledging our part in it.
It shifts the blame onto the other person’s feelings, rather than accepting responsibility for our actions.
I remember a time when I made an off-hand remark to a colleague without considering their feelings.
When they expressed their hurt, my immediate response was, “I’m sorry if you feel that way.”
In hindsight, it wasn’t an apology—it was a hollow phrase that did nothing to mend the situation.
Genuine apologies acknowledge our mistakes and express our intent to do better.
They show respect, empathy, and understanding—vital for maintaining healthy business relationships.
Next time, let’s skip the “if you feel that way” part and go straight to a sincere “I’m sorry.”
It’s an act of personal accountability that can foster trust and respect in any relationship.
4) “I promise…”
Promises carry weight; they’re commitments we make to others, and when we break them, it can cause significant harm to our relationships and credibility.
The phrase “I promise” should never be used lightly.
If you can’t fully commit to doing something, it’s better not to promise it at all.
A broken promise can be seen as a betrayal, leading to feelings of disappointment and mistrust.
Breaking a promise, even a small one, can have a negative impact on how others perceive us—it can lead them to see us as unreliable or insincere.
Before you make a promise, make sure you’re fully capable and willing to follow through with it.
5) “You always…”
As someone who’s been on both sides of the coin, I can tell you that absolutes are dangerous territory.
Phrases like “You always…” or “You never…” can easily slip out during heated conversations.
They seem harmless but can quickly escalate a situation and make the other person defensive.
These phrases are often exaggerations, and using them can paint an unfair picture of the other person’s behavior or character.
It can make them feel attacked and misunderstood, which is not conducive to productive communication or strong relationships.
Instead of saying “You always ignore my emails,” try saying, “I noticed you didn’t respond to my email about the project due next week. Can we discuss it?”
This approach is less accusatory and opens the door for constructive conversation.
6) “I know exactly how you feel…”
This phrase might seem empathetic, but is it really? Can we ever truly understand someone else’s feelings or experiences?
While it’s meant to comfort and relate, “I know exactly how you feel” can often come off as dismissive.
It assumes that our experiences and emotions are the same as the other person’s, which is rarely the case.
Instead of creating a connection, it can leave the other person feeling unheard and misunderstood.
We’re essentially saying that their feelings are not unique or significant because we’ve felt the same way.
World-renowned psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word ‘happy’ would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness.”
This quote resonates because it acknowledges that everyone’s experiences are unique, including their emotions.
7) “It’s just business…”
This phrase, often used to justify harsh decisions, can come off as cold and uncaring.
It suggests that people’s feelings and well-being are secondary to business objectives.
As psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”
Using “It’s just business” as an excuse to avoid considering others’ feelings is stepping back into safety.
Remember, business is about people and treating people with respect and empathy is always good for business.
Final reflections
Our words are powerful.
They’re the building blocks of our relationships, our reputations, and our businesses; they can inspire, motivate, heal, but they can also hurt and mislead.
Each phrase we’ve explored in this article is a common one, often used without much thought.
But as we’ve seen, they can have unintended consequences when not genuinely meant.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on our words: To think before we speak, to consider the impact of what we say, and to ensure that our words are aligned with our intentions.
In business and in life, authenticity is key.
Let’s commit to being more genuine in our communication, not just for the sake of others, but for ourselves too.
When we’re true to ourselves and others, we create an environment of trust, respect, and mutual understanding.
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