You have probably sat through numerous interviews where you hear all of the wonderful things about the company you are applying for only to jump ahead to your first day and reality of the workplace sets in. You are left wondering what is the disconnect from what you are told to what you are seeing. You may even be left wondering if you made the right decision. Thats about to change for the better. Today you will learn about the Workplace Lies Your Boss Tells You and everyone else.
Today, we’ll be exposing seven common lies that bosses tell their employees. By knowing about these lies, you can prepare yourself to deal with them and protect yourself from being misled. SIt back, grab a spot of tea as we dish some T on what it really is like in most workplaces. So, let’s take a look at the Seven Workplace lies Your Boss Tells You. Stay tuned till the end where you have the chance to share some of the workplace lies you have been told. Who knows, maybe a few of these will be in your list.
Put their best foot forward
The boss-employee relationship is built on trust, but sometimes it can be a little bit one-sided. Bosses hold a lot of power over their employees, and sometimes they use that power to tell lies to get what they want. These lies can range from small fibs to big deceptions, and they can have a significant impact on the employees who believe them.
Workplace deception is a melting pot of toxicity and demoralizing experiences. When left unchecked, it can cause confusion, distrust, and a lack of motivation. From there, employers will often use lies as a way of controlling their employees and creating a false sense of security. You never see this in an interview, why would you? This is where the employer puts the best foot forward, so to speak.
No worries, I am going to help you see through some of the common lies you are told and how you can spot them. Let’s take a look at Seven Workplace Lies Yoru Boss Tells You.
Seven workplace lies your boss tells you
7. Work/Life Balance
One of the most common lies that bosses tell their employees is that they value their work/life balance. In reality, many bosses will push their employees to work longer hours, take work home with them, or even work during their vacation time. This can lead to burnout, stress, and decreased job satisfaction.
If you feel like your boss is not valuing your work/life balance, it’s important to speak up. Start by setting clear boundaries with your boss, such as not working outside of your designated hours or declining work requests that are not urgent. Additionally, consider talking to your HR department or seeking out resources, such as counseling or coaching, to help you manage your stress and balance your work and personal life.
Remember, your work/life balance is important for your mental and physical health, as well as your overall job satisfaction. Don’t let your boss’s lies compromise your well-being.
6. I’m too busy right now
A lesson I was taught by a manager that I greatly respect was, “ A good manager always makes time.” He told me that this creates an air of trust and understanding with your staff. They know you are busy but if you can take a few moments out of your schedule to pay attention to their needs, it creates a sense of trust. Conversely, if they seem to always pass you by or not listen to your issues, that trust isn’t given and often can paint them as a bad boss. Remember that, in a business setting, antisocial tendencies are an indicator of someone who feels they are a poor communicator.
5. We are a family, here
Building off number six is one of the most common ones, “We are family, here.” Have you ever heard your boss say something like “We are a family here” in a team meeting or during a one-on-one conversation? While this phrase may sound comforting and reassuring, it is often used as a manipulative tactic to make employees feel guilty for leaving the company or not working long hours.
The reality is, a workplace is not a family. The employer-employee relationship is a business relationship, and as much as we may care about our colleagues and bosses, the ultimate goal for both parties is to make money and grow the business. Don’t let this lie make you feel guilty or obligated to put the company’s needs above your own.
Side note, if you are the type of person that prefers to keep business and personal relationships separate, this causes an issue with this lie. You will often be thought of as not a team player or not wanting the common win for the organization. Remember that you are an individual with your own goals and priorities, and it’s important to find a workplace that aligns with those values.
4. Open door policy
One of the most common workplace lies that bosses tell is that they have an open-door policy. In theory, this policy means that employees can approach their boss with any concerns or issues they have, and the boss will be receptive to their feedback. However, in practice, this policy is often nothing more than a platitude, and employees may find that their boss is unapproachable or unreceptive to their concerns. This can lead to feelings of frustration and disengagement among employees.
If you find that your boss is not living up to their promise of an open-door policy, it’s important to find other ways to address your concerns. This may involve talking to other managers or HR representatives, or seeking out opportunities to voice your concerns in team meetings or through anonymous feedback channels.
Ultimately, it’s important for bosses to be transparent and honest with their employees about the nature of their open-door policy, and to work to create a workplace culture that truly values open communication and feedback. By doing so, they can foster a more engaged and productive workforce, and create a more positive work environment for everyone.
3. No stupid questions or everyone makes that mistake
No stupid questions is usually said after someone has just asked exactly that. A survey was taken where 47% of managers told this phrase to an employee, at some point in their career. If your boss were to have told you that was the most stupid question they have ever heard, then no employee would want to speak up. It is also a way to instill a level of trust where you think that your boss sees you as a person and not an employee.
Everyone makes that mistake is equally as triggering. 36% of bosses survey have said they use this phrase and that it is the nicest way of saying you are a total moron for having done what you just did. If you just caused a massive paper jam in the printer that now results in waiting on a tech to show up or you set fire to your desk, hearing :everyone has done this at least once” is a nicer way of saying “I never thought, in all of my life, that anyone could or would do that.”
While these are meant to sound nice when you hear them, the truth is that it is just a platitude given to help you feel more at ease with just embarrassing yourself in front of your boss or organization.
2. You’re getting paid top dollar/That’s Fair Pay
Would it surprise you to know that there are no employment laws that prevent employees from discussing their pay? Under the National Labor Relations Act, pay secrecy policies are illegal, the truth is that about half of workers report they are forbidden to discuss pay at their jobs. This is up from roughly a decade eariler where one third of employees said similar.
In a non-union organization, employers do not like staff discussing pay/raise information because it ends up leaving others feeling slighted. This little “workplace list” started because many bosses and organization feel if you knew what your coworkers was getting pad that you might just quit in disgust.
Remember, in this day and age, pay scales are still based on gender, race, and color more than qualifications and equality. If pay scale was shared, then the playing field woudl be leveled and it would force a company to have to restructure what they pay their employees to a more fair amount.
1. You’re job is secure
Probably one of the most common lies that bosses tell their employees is that their job is secure. Unfortunately, in today’s job market, this is not a guarantee. Companies are constantly evolving and adapting to changes in the economy and industry, which can lead to downsizing, restructuring, and layoffs.
It’s important to be aware of the signs that your job may be at risk. This can include changes in company leadership, decreased profits or revenue, and a general feeling of uncertainty within the organization. If you sense that your job is at risk, it’s important to take action to protect yourself.
Remember, while it’s important to trust your employer and believe in job security, it’s also important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can ensure that you are ready to handle any changes that come your way.
How to advocate for yourself
It can be difficult to address workplace lies and advocate for yourself, especially if you are in a position of less power or authority. However, it is important to stand up for yourself and your rights in the workplace.
One way to do this is to gather evidence and facts to support your position. This could include emails, memos, or other documentation that supports your position. Be mindful of any IT policies that may be in place.
If the lie is a serious issue that is affecting your job or workplace environment, you may need to escalate the issue to higher management or even consider speaking with a lawyer. This should be a last resort, but it is important to protect your rights and your career if necessary.
Remember, it is never okay for your boss to lie to you or treat you unfairly in the workplace. By advocating for yourself and standing up for your rights, you can create a better work environment for yourself and your colleagues.
The impact of workplace lies to employees
The impact of these lies on employees cannot be understated. When employees hear lies from their bosses, it can greatly impact their trust in the company and their job satisfaction. Employees who feel lied to may feel undervalued and unappreciated, which can lead to reduced motivation and productivity.
On the other hand, when bosses are honest and transparent with their employees, it can greatly improve their trust in the company and their job satisfaction. Honest bosses who communicate clearly and openly with their employees create a positive work environment based on mutual trust and respect. This can lead to higher levels of employee engagement, productivity, and retention.
Therefore, it’s crucial for bosses to recognize the impact of their lies on their employees and strive to be transparent and honest in their communication. This will not only benefit their employees but also the company in the long run.
How do you feel?
We hope you enjoyed reading our article about the seven workplace lies your boss tells you. While we understand that there may be some situations where your boss may not be completely honest with you, we hope that this article helps you identify some of the most common lies and how to navigate them. We believe that honesty and transparency are essential in the workplace, and we hope that this article helps you create a culture of openness and trust in your workplace.
What about you? What workplace lies have you heard and how did you handle them? Are any of these new to you? Do you feel your bosses have always been open and honest with you? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
Gay in the CLE 