We all have our moments of frustration at work, but passive-aggressive behavior is not the solution. It’s important to find ways to express our concerns and disagreements in a positive and constructive manner. HR expert Roxanne Massey offers some helpful advice on how to do just that.
**1. Instead of “Things aren’t fair,” try “I need to let you know how I feel. It feels like things are not fair at the moment.”
**Passive-aggressive comments can put people on the defensive, making it harder to have productive conversations. Instead, focus on expressing your feelings and providing specific examples to support your concerns.
**2. Instead of “How do you do it all?” try “Tell me your secret; how do you manage to do everything you need to do and have time for that too? I just don’t seem to be able to.”
**Rather than being sarcastic, try asking for advice or insights. This shows that you’re interested in understanding and learning from others, which can lead to more positive and productive relationships.
**3. Instead of “Can you please guide me?” try “I don’t know the best way to approach this; please, can you guide me?”
**Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. By expressing your willingness to learn and grow, you’re more likely to get the support you need.
**4. Instead of “I don’t need your help,” try “I know you trust me to do this, so give me a chance, and I’ll come to you if I need some support.”
**Micromanagement can be frustrating, but sarcasm will only make the situation worse. Instead, try to show your manager that you’re capable of handling the task and that you’re not afraid to ask for help when you need it.
**5. Instead of “I don’t want to do this,” try “I’m not comfortable doing this; it’s not something in my area of knowledge.”
**It’s okay to say no to tasks that you’re not comfortable with or that are outside of your skillset. However, try to do so in a polite and respectful manner, and be prepared to offer alternative solutions or suggestions.
