🧠 What Americans REALLY Mean when they Say... "We’re right there with you! We’re American— we had to learn this workplace code too." 😅
- Jasmine
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
Quick Cheat Sheet Guide: 👇
Because yes, we love sounding friendly… even when we’re on a touchy subject. It allows us to stay neutral.
⁉️The Truth? It’s culturally better to be neutral or positive. And we like to keep it short. 😉
1. “Let’s circle back.”
🧠 Means: We need more time on this.
It’s too soon to make a decision.
We may or may not get back to it.
It may not be a priority when we look at it again.
👉 Use it to politely delay without saying no.
2. “That’s an interesting idea.”
🧠 Means: It probably won’t work, but I’m open to ideas.
👉 The flatter the tone, the faster it’s being forgotten.
3. “I’ll try to make it.”
🧠 Means: I probably won’t but it’s a 80/20 chance. Thanks for inviting me.
👉 If it’s not scheduled, I may be too busy. I don’t want you to feel unimportant.
4. “I’ll take a look and get back to you.”
🧠 Means: This just went into the black hole of tasks.
👉 Follow up—kindly. Preferably in writing so I don’t forget. Again. Sorry!
5. “That’s above my pay grade.”
🧠 Means: Nope. I’m not touching that.
👉 Intention: Usually “Frank” handles that. That topic is generally out of my hands.
💡 Why do we talk like this?
Because we like to keep things positive—even when we’re saying no. It’s not lying… it’s survival. 😅
⚡ Pro Tip:
These phrases are tools—learn how to use them, and how to read between the lines when others do.
💬 We help global professionals master this and more.
Because fluency isn’t just words—it’s strategy.
📩 Have some questions you’d like to address in person? We’re a click away!
You matter, and assimilating into your workspace matters too!
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