What you shouldn’t discuss with your boss, even if you really want to

Friendly relationships with management, as well as with colleagues, are fine. However, there are some stopgap topics that are better left for communicating with family and friends. For example, these five.

1. Financial matters

You don’t need to tell your boss, even in a friendly way, that you’re broke, or that you don’t have enough money for your kids’ school, etc. Even if you (for some reason) just decide to share this information without any innuendo, you may be misunderstood. And, most likely, they will.

What the boss hears: through confidential conversation you are trying to take advantage of him by insinuating that it’s time you got a raise. Even if it isn’t. You don’t want to be misunderstood, don’t have those conversations that might lead to that.

2. Personal-family issues

Are you getting a divorce, are you having problems with your parents, kids not listening and not eating their porridge, loneliness, etc.? Talk to a friend or therapist about it. The boss is not the right person to convey this information to at all. You say there are problems at home, just wanting to share or justifying your bad mood.

The chief hears it: problems in your personal life can lead to mistakes. It’s worth taking a closer look at how the employee performs his or her tasks, perhaps not giving serious projects.

3. Colleagues

Discuss your own colleagues with your boss is the last thing to do. Even if there is a friendly relationship with the chief. You may say something innocent that will cause quite serious problems for the other person. If it’s not a work issue, and you’re not discussing a subordinate’s salary increase or his achievements and successes, it’s best not to touch the subject at all.

What the boss hears: only the boss knows. But rest assured, he will probably use the information he hears from you, and not the fact that you will like it.

4. Politics

It’s good if your political views with the chief coincide. But what if they don’t? Say something in the heat of the moment about a particular policy, sharply express their views, and it turns out that among the opponents, who you consider short-sighted, to put it mildly, is your boss. It will not be nice, that’s for sure. So it is better to avoid political topics, so as not to disappoint the bosses, and do not get upset.

5. Health

It’s worth saying right off the bat. If you have health problems that require a special schedule, extra days off or otherwise directly affect your work, you should definitely talk about them.

But if you just decided to complain about a sore tooth or a hangover after last night’s party, it’s better to keep quiet. Remember, why did you come to work? That’s right, to work and to benefit the company (and yourself, of course). Talking about a toothache won’t help you get the job done faster and better. And the chief, after all, first of all, is interested in this result.

What does the boss hear: now I do not have time to work, I have a stomach ache, I do not want to call clients, I do not care that we have a burning plan.

It is better to take a sick leave: and you yourself rest, improve your health, and on your professionalism it will not affect. And if you really want to be pitied, share with friends or call your mother 🙂