Canadian communication guide for talking to your boss

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Talking to your boss can be nerve-wracking, especially as a newcomer and when the cultural expectations around communication might be different from what you’re used to. It can be hard to know exactly how to express yourself.

One key thing to remember is that you’ve been hired to make your boss’s job easier! It’s important to maintain a positive relationship and show your competence, so there are a few things you should avoid saying. Here are some phrases that Toni Sutton-Deangelico from Reader’s Digest suggests you steer clear of:

❌ “No, I don’t have the time.”
This comment comes across as dismissive and shifts the burden back to your boss. If you’re overwhelmed, explain that you’ll need to adjust some priorities to accommodate the request and suggest checking in later to share your solution.

❌ “It wasn’t my fault; it’s so-and-so’s fault.”
Playing the blame game is unproductive and distracts from solving the problem. If you’re not at fault, clarify your actions — without bringing someone else into it. Commit to addressing the issue to prevent it from happening again.

❌ “I don’t know how to do that.”
This statement can imply a lack of competence and places the burden back on your boss. If the task is new to you, Toni suggests asking if they have any resources or guidance to help you get started.

❌ “I’m bored.”
Avoid telling your boss that you don’t have enough to do. As Toni notes, it’s not your boss’s responsibility to make your job engaging. Take the initiative to identify projects or tasks where you can contribute enthusiastically.

Q: Is it acceptable to be friends with colleagues in Canada?

A: Yes, forming friendships with colleagues is generally accepted in Canada. Many workplaces encourage camaraderie and teamwork because it contributes to a positive environment.

However, it’s important to be professional and set boundaries. This can include keeping discussions work-related during office hours, avoiding gossip, and refraining from discussing personal issues that may create discomfort.

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It’s not just what you say, but how you say it—and body language plays a crucial role in communication. While certain cues can vary across cultures, here are some important ones to be aware of, according to Canadian Indeed:

Posture
👤 Sitting upright: Displays engagement and attentiveness.
👣 Planting feet: Reflects confidence and steadiness.
⚖️ Shifting weight between feet: Indicates nervousness.
🙇‍♂️ Slouching: Suggests disinterest or a lack of focus.
⬅️ Leaning away: Signals discomfort or disagreement.
🛡️ Crossing arms: Implies defensiveness or frustration.

Eye Contact
😃 Making eye contact: Shows focus, engagement, and respect.
👀 Avoiding eye contact: Can signal nervousness, disinterest, or dishonesty.
👁️ Excessive eye contact: May come across as too intense or confrontational.

Gestures
👋 Waving: A friendly gesture of greeting or acknowledgment.
👍 Thumbs-up: In many Western cultures, this signifies approval but can be offensive in some cultures.
👏 Patting someone on the back: A supportive or congratulatory gesture.
 ✅ Nodding head: Reflects agreement or understanding.

Facial Expressions
😊 Smiling: Conveys positivity, happiness, or agreement.
😲 Lifting eyebrows: Demonstrates interest or surprise.