6 Go-to phrases for all business women

As women we all have (or should have) our go-to phrases or rebuttals that roll off our tongues to deal with those sticky, awkward, or inconvenient situations in our every day social lives, i.e. 

1. I'm in a relationship (whether you are or not) or, thanks for your interest, but I am not pursuing new relationships at the moment - to deflect unwanted male attention or advances OR
2. Thanks for the invite to ____________ however, I think you would have a better time with someone who has a genuine interest in __________________ - when a coworker, or even a family member or friend asks you to an event, concert, etc that you clearly don't want to attend.

But, the other day I ran across an article on aol.com that shared "Six Phrases Every Working Woman Should Know and Use" by Dr. Lois Frankel who has a book with tips for communicating with impact titled, "Nice Girls Just Don't Get It,"  (I will have to check it out).

As a woman working in corporate America I try to be professional, honest and considerate in my business dealings, but in all candor I can't say that I've have any go-to work phrases other than my elevator and break room talk, which I have down pat!!!

According to Dr. Lois Frankel here are 6 phrases working women need in their back pockets:

1. "Be that as it may, I still would like..."
Dr. Frankel elaborates by saying "Use this to hold your ground with someone who is giving you an excuse for why you can't have what you want. A variation would be, 'I hear what you're saying, and I still would like...'" I like this one alot!

2. "I would be happy to do that for you. Let me tell you __________ [how much it will cost, how much time it will take, how much help I will need, etc.]."
Dr. Frankel explains "Good customer/client service requires you to be willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done - but it doesn't mean you shouldn't ask for what you need to meet the needs of others. Often when you tell them the "cost" of their request, it soon becomes modified."

3. "Thank you. I'm glad you noticed and appreciate the feedback."
Dr. Frankel says "If you have a difficult time accepting a compliment, this is the one for you." Now, this is probably the only one I've used regularly - I do know how to take a compliment!

4. "Although I can't participate at this time, I appreciate your letting me know about it." Dr. Frankel says "This is a nice way to say buzz off, I'm not buying whatever you're selling." This too is a good one that I have to start using.

5. "I'm sure you didn't realize you just cut ahead of me in line."

Dr. Frankel says "You can say this one as you step in front of the offender - best said with a smile." Wow, I'm gonna use this one although not sure how I would use this at work.  I can use this at a restaurant or retail store and hope that a physical altercation does not follow!  Or at work, I could use this to counter those who cut me off in a discussion or if my opinion is discounted.  Yeah - try it that way ladies. 

6. "Although I can't do ________, I can do ____________."

I use this now, giving an alternative of what you can do makes your response of a decline or changing your participation less negative.

So add these to your mental rolodexes ladies!