How would you feel about saying phrases like “I need help with this project” or “I deserve a promotion” to a colleague or boss?
If you’re like most people, these are pretty scary sentences to say in a workplace. Maybe it’s because you’re conscious of power structure, or perhaps you have the desire to look like you’re on top of your tasks. However, instead of being direct about frustration or needs, workers often opt for passive-aggressive statements, such as “I can’t imagine having time for a lunch break” or “it’s not like I have enough work to do already.”
While it can be intimidating to be straightforward ― whether that’s flat-out asking about progress updates at work or inquiring intentionally about a promotion you’ve been waiting for ― it’s important. Being passive-aggressive only makes work less enjoyable and creates more problems for both staff and higher-ups.
Plus, it’s a rude way to interact with others.
“In the etiquette world, being passive-aggressive may seem polite on the surface, but it’s still rude,” Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and host of the “Were You Raised by Wolves?” podcast, told HuffPost via email.
