There may be things about the way you conduct yourself in the workplace that are off-putting to colleagues or clients. Although you hope for clear communication, subtle cues may fly by undetected. Review the list of office pet peeves below and be honest about whether you could benefit from making a few small changes to your routine. You will know you are headed in the right direction by the positive feedback you receive.
Sending Email After Work Hours
Unless the email is urgent, wait until the next morning to hit send. Or, opt for an email scheduling plugin for peace of mind (but don’t make it your new default). Sending emails after office hours puts pressure on the person who received the email to respond, especially when the email is coming from a boss or client. You might say you don’t expect a response right away, but you can’t be sure how that will land with your recipient. If an answer is required quickly, a telephone call is a better communication option.
Using Foul Language in the Office
The rule when it comes to cursing in the office is to refrain. Don’t make it a habit of using foul language, even if it appears to be acceptable in your industry or corporate environment. After sharing an article on the topic on LinkedIn in which I was quoted, it became clear that there are many strong opinions on the subject. My advice? Be known for having self-restraint and speaking with intention. No curse words, please.
Always Running Late
When you always have an excuse for running late, never show up to meetings on time, or have endless appointments and emergencies, you lose credibility. It’s frustrating to other employees, especially when you walk in with a cappuccino or post on social media from an unnamed location. It can be difficult to shed a reputation for being late. Avoid it altogether and your career will benefit.
The Name Dropper
No one cares how many influential people you know. If you spend your time trying to impress your coworkers, they are going to feel put off, and it will do just the opposite. It’s better to build relationships authentically, rather than try and impress someone with people you know.
The Office Gossip
You get in the habit of stirring up dust and letting people know that you are on top of all of the latest scoop. Coworkers believe when you are not talking about someone else, you are talking about them! This behavior cannot be trusted and compromises the integrity of the entire team.
Follow the Four Agreements:
- Be Impeccable With Your Word
- Don’t Take Anything Personally
- Don’t Make Assumptions
- Always Do Your Best
The Food Stealer
Unless you brought it in from your kitchen or last night’s restaurant dinner, don’t eat what does not belong to you. Taking even a pinch out of someone else’s lunch bag is not appropriate. Meal prep, opt for Uber Eats or invite a coworker out to lunch before you shop the office refrigerator.
The Loud Talker/Laugher
Loud talking and obnoxious laughter is distracting and can result in disruptions. It also signals attention-getting. Keep the volume of your voice down and limit conversations in open office spaces.
You may also like Five Ways to Disagree and Remain Civil. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow Diane on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram