Refering to employees as "we" when actually meaning "you"...?

Question

My boss is always refering to "we" when he actually means "you".. EX: " We need to make sure to call.." I understand there are times when it is appropriate but I think he over uses it and it drives me crazy. I think there are times when it is better to actually refer to the person by name instead of "we".. Am I just being difficult or is there such a thing as over using the term???
Only serious answers please!
Please don't be rude... I will report abuse.

While I agree that there are times when it is properly used, there are other times when it is incorrectly used and it actually sounds like the boss is talking down instead of creating a team environment.

Answer 1

I absolutely hate it when someone else says we when they mean you. After 5 years working for a large corporation, I was so sick of hearing we and us that I started correcting people. During a large meeting, when the big boss said, we need to contact the supply company I spoke up and said you mean me, I should call them. He really didn't like it too much. I also corrected him at meetings saying, you mean Pete will do that and Larry will do this. That didn't go over well also. He wanted to create a team atmosphere, lumping everyone in together doesn't do that. You're not oversensative, unfortunately, there really isn't anything you can do. I quit, so I got away with it.

Answer 2

"We" is often overused in the corporate world. The team spirit thing is important, of course. But when one continually says that "we need to...", then one runs the risk of the job not getting done because everyone might assume that someone else will do it. It is far better, as JenV says, if someone bellies up to the bar and says "I'll take care of that".

Whenever possible, be the one who says "I'll do it". And if you absolutely can't do it, then be the one who can suggest that someone else specifically might be well suited to that particular task. If nothing else, your boss will see your willingness to accept personal responsibility or your ability to delegate appropriately. Its a leadership thing. And a get ahead thing.

Good luck.

Answer 3

My husband does this all the time. It's so irritating in a personal environment!

However, I haven't noticed it much in a professional environment. At my current workplace, if someone says "we" need to do these things, then someone just pipes up and says, "I'll see to that," so it's not used in that way. Occassionally I have noticed the owner using the term loosely when I know it's something I need to do, but at least she doesn't overuse it.

It can be irritating, and I definitely feel for you!

Answer 4

It depends on the context. In your specific example-- I think he should NOT say we. If he wants YOU do to something, he should be explicit.

In other cases, when trying to foster a team effort or organizational thing, there is a school of thought to focus on the "we" and not the "I". For example, we successfully created blah blah plan. Instead of, I created... "Or, we need to make sure we foster a good collaborative relationship with xxx". In the later example, it is a "we" that needs to happen even though YOU may have to do most of the work.

Answer 5

Firstly, you are certainly not being difficult. I experience this everyday at work, and I'm sure many other people do. I've found that people who use "we" in reference to something they (independently) should be taking responsibility for, do so because if that responsibility fails, they can simple blame "we" - the group. And the people who use "we" in the first case, will never fail to use "I" when something goes right.

We should all be asking ourselves: Would we stand behind a person who makes a mistake and admits it; or, would we rather stand behind someone who always finds an excuse for their mistakes?

Answer 6

as a owner/boss i say we

sometimes i do the job other times someone else does the job

you are over thinking it
just remember
all ppl in a company are out to do the same job make it bigger and better it is not one person doing it all
each person has their qualities that help the company out
may it be skills or personality
just remember you all have the same goal

Answer 7

In a I world!
It's all about number one Me!
We try to incorporate WE as a sign that team work exist in the work place
when in reality! Slavery has been intellectual, through out time
Money/greed existed, anyone without a lot money,
will work for those with a lot money!?
So if they can get YOU to believe WE are creating.
Then more money will be produced for their
WANTS AND NEEDS!
There is no I in WE!?
With are keen intellects, we believe that in that situation, you are WE! so you don't realize , YOU are WE to benefit I

Answer 8

We is generally less oppressive than "you." Relax, you're boss is attempting to be inclusive and have a sense of team. He may be overdoing it but probably not. After all, he needs to follow his own rules so he should include himself in the "we."

I am more offended by the usage by nurses and other hospital types. "How are we feeling today?" "Wake up, it's time for our enema." (OK. you first!)

Answer 9

I agree with Mel M ... totally means YOU ... just wants to make himself (and other people that may overhear) feel better that he is such a "team player".

Answer 10

Some bosses are like that. "We" means you. I think he's trying to give you an order without saying, You need to do this and You need to do that. I used to have a boss say, "And how are we today?" It is irritating. We need to take a deep breath and calm down.lol.