M.Saad » boss http://msa3d.freehostia.com/wb Just another WordPress weblog Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:10:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 How to get one step ahead of your English boss http://msa3d.freehostia.com/wb/english/how-to-get-one-step-ahead-of-your-english-boss http://msa3d.freehostia.com/wb/english/how-to-get-one-step-ahead-of-your-english-boss#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:59:26 +0000 admin http://msa3d.freehostia.com/wb/?p=729 Your manager speaks to you. Nervousness spreads throughout your body because you recognize all the individual words, but don’t know the meaning of the entire phrase. He is looking at you expectantly, waiting for your reply, but all you can manage to say is a confused, “Excuse me?” Has this happened to you? Business slang and idioms in the workplace can leave you perplexed, but this short guide teaches some commonly spoken phrases and provides several appropriate ways to respond.

Please get me up to speed.

This phrase is your cue to explain what has been taking place with the project. Basically, it means, “Please update me on what’s going on.” The speaker wants to know what has been happening as well as its current status to gain a better understanding. If someone says this after entering a meeting a little late, then you should summarize what has been discussed thus far.

Please keep me posted.

No, he doesn’t want you to post him through the mail. The speaker is expressing that he wants to receive regular updates from you about the status of the project, but probably not through the post as this phrase once indicated. Telling him in person or via email will probably suffice. In response, if he is just referring to the ongoing status of a project, you may want to say, “Ok. I’ll keep you updated.” Alternatively, if he is waiting for some specific information, i.e., a response from a client, you may say, “Ok. I’ll let you know when we hear something.”

Take it and run with it.

You’ve just spoken to your boss about a great idea you’ve had, and he tells you to “take it and run with it”. ‘Run where?’ you think. No, your boss doesn’t think your idea was so bad that you need to run far away with it, and never return. Instead, he thinks the idea is good. He wants you to act on it and be creative in implementing it. He is complimenting your idea and giving you the freedom to make it happen. One way to respond is to say, “Thanks! I’m on it!”

Can you get the ball rolling for us?

First consider a rolling ball. It’s rolling a long quite nicely and smoothly. However, someone initially had to be the one to push or roll the ball to get it started. Your boss is asking you to do just that – to get a project started. He’s not asking you to do the entire project by yourself, but instead is indicating that once you take the initial steps, then other people can join in to help you. The best way to respond is, “Sure. I’ll get started right away.”

Don’t drop the ball on this one.

Here’s another reference to “the ball.” If you think of the ball as the project itself, to drop it would mean that you made a mistake or caused the project to fail. With this comment, the speaker is stressing the importance of the project by basically saying, “Don’t do anything wrong. Be very careful.” At this point, you should be reassuring. You can say, “Don’t worry, I’ve got it under control.” or “Don’t worry, you can count on me.” Google BuzzShare/Bookmark]]> http://msa3d.freehostia.com/wb/english/how-to-get-one-step-ahead-of-your-english-boss/feed 27 English a boss likes to hear http://msa3d.freehostia.com/wb/english/english-a-boss-likes-to-hear-2 http://msa3d.freehostia.com/wb/english/english-a-boss-likes-to-hear-2#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:43:56 +0000 admin http://msa3d.freehostia.com/wp/?p=610

English a boss likes to hear

So you’ve landed a much desired job in a foreign company, but every time you need to communicate with your boss in English, you freeze up. Fear not! Exhibit the following five qualities and use the corresponding phrases – they’re sure to make your boss love you!

Enthusiasm

A positive attitude can make a big difference! Make your passion known by volunteering for tasks using the phrase, “I’d be happy to do that.” Additionally, communicate willingness to take on responsibilities by asking, “Is there anything else you’d like me to do?” Of course, when your boss thanks you for your work, reply with, “My pleasure” to show you truly like what you’re doing!

Support

We all like to be around people who see eye to eye with us, or who hold the same opinions as we do. Be supportive of your boss’s ideas, and you’ll surely get on his or her good side. Use expressions like “Good point!”, “I couldn’t agree with you more” and “That’s exactly how I feel” to convey agreement. Your boss will appreciate your support.

Politeness

Remember that a sincere “please” or “thank you” can go a long way. Even if you have a friendly relationship with your boss or manager, it’s important to be polite. If you have an urgent need while your boss is speaking with someone else, be sure to say, “Excuse me for interrupting.” If you request information, you can add, “Please get back to me as soon as possible.” Finally, when they respond, tell them, “Thanks for your help!”

Efficiency

Hard work is an aspect we can’t forget! You will definitely be appreciated if you are on the ball, or capable and efficient in your work. When assigned a task, say, “I’ll get right on that” to show you will begin working on it immediately. Or, you can tell your boss, “I’ll get that to you by 6 p.m.” if he or she inquires about something you are working on.

Imagination

If you have a brilliant idea, don’t be afraid to suggest it! This reveals that you’re innovative, ambitious, and looking for ways to improve the company. Use phrases such as “I was thinking that it might be a good idea to ? or “Why don’t we ? to introduce your ideas in a non-threatening way. Additionally, prepare yourself for rejection, as not all ideas are an overnight hit, or immediate success – but that doesn’t mean you should stop suggesting them!

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