Saying “he is not smart” at work

Say this instead

1. 01

   I'm concerned Oliver struggles with the analysis this role needs. Can we talk about what support, or a different scope, might look like?

   Boss · Chat

   Your manager can act on this one, because it names the gap and asks for a decision instead of just complaining.

   Use for my message
   Copy
2. 02

   Hi Tanvi, I have doubts about Gautam's judgment on complex calls. On the vendor decision he overlooked the main risks, so I'd suggest someone else signs off on similar choices.

   Boss · Email

   Pick this when you have a real example and a clear request, so it reads as a work concern and not as gossip.

   Use for my message
   Copy
3. 03

   I wouldn't put him forward for a role that depends on independent problem-solving. He needed a lot of direction on anything complicated.

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   In a reference request it lets you be honest about ability without naming flaws that have nothing to do with the job.

   Use for my message
   Copy
4. 04

   Your last two proposals missed the core issue. You're not yet working through problems at the level this role needs, so let's agree a plan to close that gap.

   Someone you manage · Chat

   If you manage the person, this is direct about the shortfall and moves quickly to what happens next.

   Use for my message
   Copy
5. 05

   I don't think Sam should lead this analysis. It needs someone strong with complex data, and I don't think that's where he is right now.

   Coworker · Chat

   Helpful when you must say who should own a task and want to explain the reason without a personal attack.

   Use for my message
   Copy
6. 06

   Can Denise take the pricing model? I don't think Mark has the depth for it yet, and mistakes here would be costly.

   Coworker · SMS

   For a quick, private request, it redirects an urgent task without much fuss.

   Use for my message
   Copy
7. 07

   I don't think his reasoning holds up here. The numbers don't support it, so can we go through the logic together before we decide?

   Coworker · Chat

   In a live disagreement it challenges the thinking directly and keeps the talk on evidence.

   Use for my message
   Copy

Examples

What to avoid

• Labeling the person's intelligence gets you nowhere, so describe the work or decisions that worried you.
• Sending it to a group chat or to people who have no reason to hear it will only hurt trust.
• If you soften it too much, the problem disappears, so say clearly what is not working.
• Sarcasm or jokes about the person's ability are a bad idea, even with friendly colleagues.
• A request with no example is easy to dismiss, since a concrete case makes your concern believable.

Related phrases

• What to say instead of “be a team player”→
• Saying “you're a know-it-all” at work→
• A kinder way to say “that's nonsense”→
• Alternatives to “you're annoying” at work→
• A kinder way to say “you have a smart mouth”→
• Better ways to say “I can vouch for them”→