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Original poster

How do you politely ask someone what something has to do with them?

26 replies

goaskmum · 05/04/2022 11:15

For example, say a colleague work is questioning something that you’ve done but doing it in a critical way, when it clearly doesn’t concern or having anything to do with him/her, what is the best thing to say back to them rather than just saying “what has it to do with you?”

OP posts:
BlancheB · 05/04/2022 11:16

"Thank you for your comments". Then ignore and do whatever you were doing anyway.

NoSquirrels · 05/04/2022 11:17

“Thanks for the input.” Say it with a tone and a Paddington hard stare.

MardyOldGoth · 05/04/2022 11:39

Thanks but I don't really want to discuss it further.

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Pyri · 05/04/2022 11:41

“Can I ask why you’re interested; are you part of this project?”

PollyPutTheKettleOnKettleOn · 05/04/2022 11:42

"Fascinating"

Works pretty well

Cornettoninja · 05/04/2022 11:44

Someone I wanted to maintain a decent relationship with would get an ‘interesting’ but otherwise I’d go the same way as @NoSquirrels.

NoSquirrels · 05/04/2022 11:47

Or you could, boringly and at length, explain exactly why your way is the best way and why their suggestions wouldn’t work. All with a faux attitude of being cheerfully helpful yet deeply patronising.

Templeblossom · 05/04/2022 11:50

@goaskmum

For example, say a colleague work is questioning something that you’ve done but doing it in a critical way, when it clearly doesn’t concern or having anything to do with him/her, what is the best thing to say back to them rather than just saying “what has it to do with you?”
"I wasnt aware that this was within your remit Janice ?" Said firmly
DameHelena · 05/04/2022 11:50

I'd probably go with 'Oh, that's not for you to worry about!' with a light tone and a detached air.

ginslinger · 05/04/2022 11:52

just say 'thank you' and carry on with your day

SandrasAnnoyingFriend · 05/04/2022 11:52

Can I ask what your interest/involvement in this project is?

Stompythedinosaur · 05/04/2022 11:54

"Do you think?" in a scathing tone, then continue with what you are doing!

Fraaahnces · 05/04/2022 11:55

Raised eyebrow…. Extra long pause….. “Are we done?”

Flatandhappy · 05/04/2022 11:55

“That is an interesting perspective” is my go to when what I really mean is bugger off.

TheTurn0fTheScrew · 05/04/2022 11:55

"I don't have time to get into the complexities of this with you, but thanks anyway."

Regularsizedrudy · 05/04/2022 11:55

“Is this having an impact on your work?”

Silverclocks · 05/04/2022 11:56

Is this in your remit?

Not especially polite, but professional Grin

Calennig · 05/04/2022 11:58

Well a different decision was made - firmly said with smile.

Though any persistent then pull out the big guns of "With all due respect this isn't in your remit/ wasn't assigned to you again said with a polite smile.

The only collgue who didn't get the all due respect thing was a german colleague though he was often completely correct but was ignoring the tight time constaints and best bet there was I'll bare that in mind for the future.

Cornettoninja · 05/04/2022 11:59

@NoSquirrels

Or you could, boringly and at length, explain exactly why your way is the best way and why their suggestions wouldn’t work. All with a faux attitude of being cheerfully helpful yet deeply patronising.
That doesn’t work if they’re partial to a social media debate - they’ll take it as an invitation to get into a massive discussion about it!
TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 05/04/2022 12:12

Ask "Have you just farted?"

It puts them on the defensive, and you can keep saying "Are you sure?" when they deny it. Then get up from your desk and move away. Whisper something to colleague whilst looking back at them. 😷

FromOurHatsToOurFeet · 05/04/2022 12:13

www.thepoke.co.uk/2022/04/04/thread-translates-work-speak-to-slang/

It's covered in the last part of this. "I appreciate the clarification, however I do have the subject matter expertise to manage this on my own.”

LindaEllen · 05/04/2022 12:14

I mean, I'd literally just say something like 'Sorry, but I'm not sure why you're interested as it doesn't impact you, does it?'

If they're being dickish enough to pass comment when they shouldn't, I really wouldn't worry about being polite in return.

Mysteryclub · 05/04/2022 12:24

‘ I appreciate that, however an authoritative voice would be best placed to give their comments’

JesusInTheCabbageVan · 05/04/2022 12:30

"Why do you ask?"

latetothefisting · 05/04/2022 12:30

Play dumb and say "oh I didn't realize you were working on this too". Then when they admit they're not either give them the puzzled stare and "oh.....right" or a jokey "don't you have enough work of your own to do rather than worrying about mine!"