By Brooke Howell, Monster Contributing Writer
One of the best ways to ensure your day-to-day work life is pleasant and your career remains on an upward trajectory is to get -- and stay -- on your boss' good side. It sounds like a simple thing to do, but you'd be surprised at the number of employees who can't seem to get it right.
The problem often is that they're unwittingly saying and doing things that communicate to the boss that they're incompetent, uncooperative or immature -- qualities no boss likes in an employee.
Don't want to be that employee? Then steer clear of saying these things that are sure to put any boss in a bad mood. 1. "It's not my fault." Even if it's not, saying so just makes you sound like a 6 year old. Adults take responsibility, and then take action to make things right. Bosses want employees that are always part of the solution -- especially after they've been part of the problem. 2. "It's not my job." Your responsibilities aren't limited to those specifically stated in your job description. If the boss is asking you about something that needs to be done then it's your job. When you say otherwise to his face you sound childish, disrespectful and uncooperative. 3. "There must have been some miscommunication." "Because all businesses are so competitive these days, bosses cannot afford to have employees costing the company a big client or critical contract because of their poor communications," says Anita Bruzzese author of "45 Things You Do That Drive Your Boss Crazy -- And How to Avoid Them." Different bosses have different informational needs, so find out what your bosses are and then be sure to meet them. "Being a good communicator is critical for the success of a company, a boss -- and an employee's career." 4. "I'm so hung-over." This isn't something to brag about and admitting to heavy drinking on a work night shows the boss you aren't taking your job as seriously as you could. It also makes her wonder if you're prone to making bad decisions in other aspects of your life and work. 5. "I can't stand Steve." This doesn't just apply to Steve, but to all of your coworkers. "Bosses get really annoyed when they have to take time from important tasks to break up spats between co-workers and they don't want to get human resources involved when two workers can't solve their differences in a professional way," says Bruzzese. "They want workers to be respectful of one another and act like adults, period." 6. "I'm too sick to work." This is fine if it's true, especially if you can't do your job from home and are contagious, but if it's a lie and your boss finds out you could be in big trouble. The chances of getting caught have increased greatly with the proliferation of social media. It