You may think your emails are polite and professional, but passive-aggressive phrases can unintentionally slip in — whether you’re updating your boss, sending client deliverables, or coordinating with coworkers.
Email and other forms of written communication strip away context like tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. So if you’re not careful, even seemingly courteous phrases can make you sound angry or frustrated, undermining your trust and influence with others.
As the author of “Managing Up” and an executive coach for over a decade, I’ve heard leaders confess that they won’t promote someone who can’t handle conflict diplomatically and directly. At higher levels, you need to express yourself with tact, bringing others along rather than putting them on the defensive.
Here are five passive aggressive phrases that put you on thin ice with colleagues.
It can be interpreted as: “Why haven’t you gotten back to me yet?” Even though you’re masking it in a friendly tone, the other person may feel called out or guilty for not responding sooner to what you’re implying should have been a simple and easy task.
