Pro tip: a manager in Denver told me to stop saying 'just' in emails

I was asking for help on a project ticket last month and wrote 'I just need a quick look at this.' She pulled me aside after our standup and said, 'You're not 'just' asking, you're doing your job.' It made me realize how much my word choice was undercutting my own work. Has anyone else had a small piece of feedback that totally changed how you communicate?

3 comments

3 Comments

black.mark7d ago

That "maybe" thing @wesley_fox92 brought up is so real. A buddy of mine works in graphic design and his boss told him to stop starting every email with "Sorry to bother you but maybe you could look at this?" He was basically apologizing for existing. She told him to just state what he needs and trust that it matters. Now he writes "Can you review the attached file by Friday?" and people actually respond faster. It's wild how one little word can make you sound like you're shrinking yourself on purpose.

white.seth2mo ago

What other words did your manager point out? I've been trying to cut "actually" and "sorry" from my own emails for the same reason.

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wesley_fox922mo ago

My manager also flagged "just" and "maybe." My emails used to sound like a nervous robot asking for a favor.