<p>My lab supervisor told me that Saying “we will see” and “relax” to the people who are not your close friends, such as your colleagues, is not appropriate. Is that true???</p>
<p>Did you say it to him? Maybe he thought it was rude, or someone else complained, and that was his polite way of saying…don’t say it again!</p>
<p>I worked in a lab for a short while; if my supervisor asked me “So how are the results?” And I said “We’ll see.” He’d be frustrated, and want more elaboration…it isn’t so professional for that sort of work environment to not let him know what is really happening, and besides, don’t they want you to make inferences and take note of results/changes as they occur? </p>
<p>So in that sense, maybe those phrases aren’t appropriate for the lab…</p>
<p>I have said relax to colleagues at my job, and that is acceptable. But I wouldn’t say it to some poor soul suffering for their p.h.D. or to someone who recently completed their phD and is now worried about getting a job…</p>
<p>So again…not appropriate in the lab? Most likely.</p>
<p>Don’t be too offended by it. :)</p>
<p>use sensitivity with phrases like that.
For example, to your supervisor, saying “relax” or “we’ll see” is probably inappropriate because it is their right to know what is going on; however, using it reassuringly to a junior co-worker who is stressing over something might be appropriate (e.g., “relax, it’ll be fine. we’ll handle the problem when it comes, but for now, don’t worry about it!”). That might especially be a good idea if the person is tense over an interpersonal conflict or something.
Basically, use discretion in what you say and don’t worry about what your supervisor said! Take the lesson and apply it but don’t follow it legalistically</p>
<p>It really depends on who those words are addressing at.</p>