5 Things That You Never Want To Hear At Work

When the boss delivers bad news at work. you pretty much know what is coming. Steve Tobak, a writer for the business management site BNET.com, assembled a list of what he considers the top 5 phrases you never want to hear at work -- because if you do, you'll end up on the wrong end of it. Here they are.

1. We've got a crisis on our hands.
What do you mean "we"? It may not be your crisis, but that pronoun means you're being dragged into it. The boss is counting on you to solve it.

2. There's no easy way to say this.
This could mean you're about to get fired, someone important to your project quit or you just lost your biggest customer.

3. Why don't you take some time off?
Ouch. They don't want you in the office? Now think! What did you do? Sexually harass an employee? Curse out loud at the CEO? Hit "reply all" to an embarrassing e-mail?

4. All your meetings have been canceled.
Unless you have a contagious skin rash, chances are you are now officially insignificant. It means no one wants to see you or wants your input and ideas.

5. Did you really just say that?
Many a celebrity and politician has experienced this (usually when the microphone was on and they didn't know it), but if it happens to you, it could spell trouble on the job