One of the best strategies to get ahead at work is knowing whatto say … and, what not to say.

What you do want to say to your boss, according to the folks atthe international staffing firm Randstad, includes thefollowing:

1. “I want to demonstrate that I'm capable of doingmore.” Ah, the can-do, put-me-in-coach attitude so prized bymanagers. Randstad added,

“Employers want their employees to feel comfortable sharingtheir career aspirations. Doing so allows employers to betterunderstand an employee's goals so they can work together to developtheir individual career path.” It's not sucking up. It's healthyblind ambition.

2. “I have a solution to a problem we have in theworkplace.” Bosses will tell you their job is fighting firesand solving problems created by others. Position yourself as aproblem solver, not a problem maker, and you'll endear yourselfquickly.

“Workers often feel their feedback does not matter to theirmanagers or senior leaders. Employers can remedy this by focusingon engagement from the employee perspective rather thanleave it to the top executives,” Randstad said. You'll soon havethe boss's ear when you start putting out those fires set byothers.

3. “I'm looking tostrengthen my skillset.” This does not mean, “I want to go tothe conference in New Orleans during Mardi Gras.” Instead, youwant to find true opportunities for career development.

“Employees should communicate the desire for more opportunitiesto attend conferences and workshops, or pursue degree programs thatcomplement their skill sets,” Randstad said. Soon the boss will becoming to you with improvement opportunities.

4. “I'm ready to move my career forward, and I'm consideringother opportunities.” This kind of lays it on the line, but italso shows you aren't complacent about your career.

“When employees are ready for a change, managers can take thetime to show them any growth opportunities that exist within thecompany. This helps to retain valuable talent that can positivelyincrease the company's bottom line, and earn loyalty from employeesthat feel the company is truly investing in their success,” thefirm suggested. Just hope the boss doesn't say, “It was niceworking with you while it lasted.”

5. “I have some ideas on how to improve staff morale.” Thisworks best when everyone knows morale stinks and can't get muchworse.

“Even the most well-intentioned managers can overlook problemsin the workplace. Employees must take it upon themselves tobring forward any issues or suggest solutions for improvements,”Randstad said. Everyone wins when morale improves — especially theones who make the effort to change the environment.

Now, let's hear from Aliza Licht about what not to say on Friday— or any day. Licht is the author of “Leave Your Mark: Land YourDream Job. Kill It in Your Career,” and was quoted on these inHuffington Post.

1. Don't Say: “I left amessage for him.”

Be more aggressive, and follow the call with at least one email,she advised.

2. Don't Say: “I'm going on a vacation on X date.”

Even if it's become the norm to do this, bosses prefer to beasked for permission.

“Is it okay if I take the following days off? If so, I wouldlike to book a vacation,” she said.

3. Don't Say: “I'm so tired today.”

If you can't fake being bright and chipper, just hush up andwork. Say nothing rather than complaining about being tired. Yourboss is tired too.

“You still need to mind your words and how you're reflecting onyourself,” Licht said.

4. Don't Say: “You never told me to do that.”

Even if it's true, pretend your boss did tell you that. Lichtsuggested the humbling but ingratiating, “I'm sorry, I wasn't awarethat I had to do that.”

5. Don't Say: “I've been here two years and I think I deserve araise.”

“Time is meaningless. You need to show why you deserve a raise.No one likes an entitled person,” she said.