Communication is essential on construction sites, but there are certain phrases that are sure to rub people the wrong way if you use them. In this article, we’ll introduce a few phrases that are best avoided on site.
"I don't know, so ask that person."
Let's say you have a question at work and ask someone about it. How would you feel if the person you asked just kept saying, "I don't know—ask that person"?
I’ve been annoyed by this phrase many times. From the listener’s perspective, when someone says this while you’re asking for specific advice, it gives the impression that they’re “unreliable.”
People who have subordinates or junior colleagues need to be careful—if they don’t keep studying on their own so they can provide clear guidance when asked, they risk becoming unpopular.
"My way is the right way."
Teaching styles and ways of thinking vary from person to person. It’s common on construction sites for what you teach to differ depending on who you’re teaching.
In my experience, when setting out stakes at a civil engineering site, people sometimes use different methods, but as long as the stakes are ultimately aligned correctly, the method doesn’t really matter. There are people who, when teaching this, insist that their way is the only correct one, but this not only causes confusion—it also makes the students lose trust in them.
Also, since it can come across as disrespectful to others who have shared their methods, when teaching a technique that has multiple variations, it’s important to convey it with the nuance that “this is just one possible way to do it.”
"I'm saying this for your own good."
You’d be wise to keep in mind that while this may sound good at first glance, it’s actually one of the worst things you can say. The person on the receiving end not only feels like their opinion is being forced upon them, but also feels constrained.
It gives the strong impression that the speaker is trying to force others to believe their opinion is correct, so it’s one of the things you should absolutely never say.
If you say this before asking for the other person’s opinion, it will make them reluctant to speak up, so you should avoid using the phrase “it’s for your own good.”
"It's too soon for you, so I'll take care of it."
While this may seem like a kind gesture, it’s actually hurtful. It tramples on the motivation of people who are trying to grow by taking on challenges in the field.
Experiences of failure on the job are a valuable asset that leads to growth. We must realize that we are robbing ourselves of that valuable time.
Especially when young people are taking on a challenge, let’s give them the leeway to try it out—unless time is running out.
"You're not ready for this yet."
This phrase is similar to the one mentioned above, and it’s also something you often hear on the job. This phrase really hurts people.
When someone tells you, “You’re not ready yet,” it leads to doubts and mistrust: “Not yet? When will I get to do it? Will I ever really get to do it?”
There are even people who tell young people practicing how to operate heavy machinery in their spare time, “It’s too early for you. Stop that—you’re wasting fuel.” Those are words I was actually told when I was young.
When you’re practicing to get better at operating heavy equipment, having your efforts dismissed can really kill your motivation. There’s no such thing as “too fast” on a job site, and if someone thinks you’re going too fast, all they have to do is have a supervisor watch over you and let you give it a try. Let’s give more support to the young people who are taking on these challenges.
――Do you ever use phrases like this on the job?
While harsh words tend to fly on the job, the words that actually hurt others are often the ones we use more casually than those. Let’s make a conscious effort to think carefully before we speak and act.
