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

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

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

“Employers want their employees to feel comfortable sharing their career aspirations. Doing so allows employers to better understand an employee's goals so they can work together to develop their individual career path.” It's not sucking up. It's healthy blind ambition.

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

“Workers often feel their feedback does not matter to their managers or senior leaders. Employers can remedy this by focusing on engagement from the employee perspective rather than leave it to the top executives,” Randstad said. You'll soon have the boss's ear when you start putting out those fires set by others.

happy bosses day tips 3. “I'm looking to strengthen my skillset.” This does not mean, “I want to go to the conference in New Orleans during Mardi Gras.” Instead, you want to find true opportunities for career development.

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

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

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

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

“Even the most well-intentioned managers can overlook problems in the workplace. Employees must take it upon themselves to bring forward any issues or suggest solutions for improvements,” Randstad said. Everyone wins when morale improves — especially the ones 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 Your Dream Job. Kill It in Your Career,” and was quoted on these in Huffington Post.

1. Don't Say: “I left a message 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 be asked for permission.

“Is it okay if I take the following days off? If so, I would like 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 and work. Say nothing rather than complaining about being tired. Your boss is tired too.

“You still need to mind your words and how you're reflecting on yourself,” 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. Licht suggested the humbling but ingratiating, “I'm sorry, I wasn't aware that I had to do that.”

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

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

Instant Insights /

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