My handy-dandy “column topic radar” lit up when I encountered an internet article called “12 Phrases You’re Using That Make You Sound Unprofessional.”

The author helpfully pointed out a number of utterances that can make you appear immature, unfocused, unhelpful, inflexible, whiney, too casual or too something to all the delightfully judgmental Stepford Co-workers who impact your career trajectory.

Yes, failure to put adequate thought into how you are perceived by colleagues can render you unqualified for that coveted Employee of the Month plaque. (“It’s not fair! I need that plaque to cover the hole my fist made in the wall!”)

Knee-jerk reactions such as “That’s not my job” would certainly resonate with those of us who know uncooperative co-workers,........

© Yuma Sun