Five Phrases to Avoid in the Workplace

A senior manager’s last‑minute proposal succeeded only because he worked through the night after a subordinate said the plan was impossible. The author reflects that hidden "thinking viruses" in everyday dialogue can be more dangerous than obvious mistakes.

1. "This is impossible" – Quoting Peter Drucker, saying something is impossible shuts down the brain’s effort. A story of two supervisors shows that a positive attitude (“I’ll try”) leads to success, while defeatism wastes opportunities.

2. "It’s not my business" – Dismissing a customer’s concern can cost millions, as illustrated by a logistics complaint that led to an 8‑million‑yuan contract loss. Responsibility and ownership are essential.

3. "We’ve always done it that way" – Citing Darwin, the author notes that clinging to old habits prevents adaptation. A retail CIO’s experience shows that teams embracing livestreaming thrived, while those resisting change were eliminated.

4. "I don’t know" – While admitting ignorance isn’t fatal, failing to turn it into a learning opportunity harms credibility. Examples include a product manager’s vague answers causing a stock drop and a leader praising a colleague who said, "I can learn."

5. "What should we do?" – Shifting blame with questions undermines accountability. Stories from Steve Jobs, Tesla, and other companies illustrate that leaders need solutions, not problem‑repeating questions.

The article concludes that in a VUCA era, repeatedly using these phrases shortens professional longevity; embracing possibility and proactive problem‑solving is the key to lasting value.