There are certain phrases you will have heard many times, sometimes they are sincere and backed up by good leadership behaviours. On occasions bad bosses use well-worn phrases to cover their ineptitude and the rhetoric doesn’t match the reality.
Here are some common phrases with our alternative definitions:
1. “My door is always open”
Truth – Please don’t bother me, I’ve got more important things to do, like my Ocado order.
2. “It’s not about the money”
Truth – Of course it’s about the money, why else would I put up with a horrendous commute, intimidating office politics and an unachievable workload?
3. “It’s not a problem it’s a challenge”
Truth- Actually I haven’t a clue what to do about that either, we are doomed
4. “That’s wonderful”
Truth – Is that really the best you can do?
5. “I know you give 110%”
Truth – I’m actually trying to say that I don’t think you are working hard enough, I just don’t have the courage or vocabulary to say so.
