Job Tips: Sentences You Should Never Say to Your Colleagues - Avoid These 10 Statements to Boost Teamwork, Says Expert
Teresa Stockmeyer, a seasoned team development trainer, has identified ten statements that can hinder productive teamwork and should be avoided in workplace interactions. Meanwhile, the German Federal Statistical Office reports a significant increase in working hours, with women now working an average of 33 hours per week, compared to men's 40 hours. This trend contributes to the record-breaking 55 billion hours Germans spent working in 2023.
Stockmeyer warns against using condescending remarks like 'That's something any child would understand', which devalue colleagues and dampen their enthusiasm for collaboration. Generalizations, such as 'You always do this wrong' or 'No one supports me here', divert attention from the real issue at hand and impede constructive dialogue. Criticizing someone in front of others, for instance, 'That was really badly done', puts colleagues in an uncomfortable position and undermines their motivation.
Comparisons with other colleagues, like 'Why can't you work like ...?', can damage self-esteem and lower morale. Accusations and mistrust, such as 'You're doing this wrong on purpose', create barriers to open communication and escalate conflicts. Personal attacks, including 'That's what I expected, that you wouldn't make it', can harm relationships and create a toxic work environment. Saying 'That's not my problem' signals disinterest and lack of team spirit, further exacerbating feelings of isolation.
Stockmeyer's insights highlight the importance of fostering a positive and respectful work culture. By avoiding these ten statements, colleagues can promote open communication, boost morale, and enhance overall productivity. The increase in working hours, partly driven by more women in the workforce, underscores the need for mindful leadership and fair work-life balance policies.
