Decoder tool
Boss-Speak Translator
Every corporate platitude has a redacted line of truth underneath. Paste what your boss said and we'll wipe off the black bar: the real meaning, the subtext, and a reply that's polite without selling yourself short.
The boss-speak phrasebook
The platitudes you hear most at work, sorted by situation. Open one for the full breakdown and a reply.
Workload & overtime
- “You're so good at this, you can take it on”88%
- “This should be quick”83%
- “Can you just finish this before you head out?”42%
- “It's all hands on deck right now”68%
- “Take a look when you get a chance”66%
- “I need this ASAP”45%
- “No rush, just deal with it Monday”70%
- “We need everyone to go the extra mile”76%
- “We need to do more with less”90%
- “It's only until things calm down”74%
Pay & promotion
- “It's been a tough year for the company”64%
- “Let's revisit this next year”84%
- “Don't worry, I see all your hard work”70%
- “It's a great opportunity for exposure”86%
- “The budget's already been set for this year”42%
- “Salary decisions are above my pay grade”45%
- “You're already at the top of your pay band”58%
- “Show me you can operate at the next level first”80%
- “Nobody's getting a raise this year, it's not just you”38%
- “Look at the total compensation package, not just base salary”68%
Meetings & communication
Feedback & reviews
- “This is a great learning opportunity”84%
- “There's a lot of room for improvement”55%
- “You need to take more initiative”60%
- “Overall it's good, but…”45%
- “I'm telling you this for your own good”70%
- “Let's set some stretch goals”76%
- “You need more visibility”38%
- “You're meeting expectations”62%
- “You need to get out of your comfort zone”72%
- “You need to work on your communication skills”50%
Company culture
- “We're like a family here”92%
- “We're a fast-paced environment”78%
- “Everyone here wears many hats”82%
- “We work hard and play hard”74%
- “My door is always open”60%
- “We hire for attitude”70%
- “We have unlimited PTO”76%
- “We have a startup mentality”72%
- “You have to be passionate, it's not just about money”88%
- “We're a flat organization”66%
Quitting & layoffs
- “We've decided to go in a different direction”80%
- “This is a business decision, it's not personal”70%
- “We're going through a restructuring”75%
- “We'd like you to focus on other things”85%
- “Are you sure? The grass isn't always greener”82%
- “We'll give you a great reference”42%
- “What would it take to keep you?”65%
- “Your position has been eliminated”35%
- “Can you stay until we find a replacement?”58%
- “We're offering a voluntary separation package”68%
For fun and communication reference only. These readings don't describe any specific person. Use your own judgment at work.