Are You an Annoying Coworker?
by Ken Okel
Multiple workplace studies have found that one of the biggest reasons why people leave their jobs is that a coworker has annoyed them out of the workplace. Now with the economy being in trouble, many are going to hold onto their jobs and try to make the best of a bad situation. But what if you, perhaps unknowingly through your behavior, are the coworker who’s annoying? Here are some tips for restoring harmony in the office.
The Desire To Be Right All the Time
Do you find yourself arguing a lot over little details that don’t matter much in the big picture? How does this affect the mood of the office? Resist the urge to say, “I told you so,” if it’s not about a big issue. Everyone involved knows that you were right. Don’t shove it in their faces. You’ll look like a much wiser person if you can hold your tongue.
Rule Bending
You may be in a position where you don’t have to follow all of the rules. But this will drive your colleagues crazy if they see you getting away with something that lands them in hot water. It can also weaken your credibility if, for instance, you tell people to arrive on time and are always late to work. Sure you may have every right to carry on as you like but do you want people spending their time complaining about you or doing their work? Sometimes it’s good to follow the rules because it’s your, “pleasure to do so,” rather than a requirement.
Finish Sentences For Others
My mind is fast and so is my tongue. At times they don’t like waiting. But it can be very disrespectful to cut someone off and finish their sentence for them. This is especially bad if you come to a different conclusion. Slow talkers can drive me crazy but allowing them to finish saves me more time, ultimately, than I get by cutting them off. And by staying silent, you’ll be praised for being a good listener.
Ken Okel is a keynote presenter, a former broadcaster and a former non-profit executive. He helps people and organizations move from survival to success. For his free newsletter and special report, 7 Communication Mistakes that are Costing You Money, go to his website at http://www.kenokel.com. You’ll also be able to see a video of Ken’s famous police dog attack story. See Ken’s tips invade YouTube: Ken Orkel
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Really good topic and something to consider. I don’t think I do any of these things, but I better pay close attention next time I’m in the office…
Laurie: I don’t think I do these either, although there certainly are times when I have the urge to tell someone, “I told you so.”
Great article! Guilty! I do some of these things things by force of habit. I need to do better. I’ve bent or break every rule I’ve ever encountered.
Laurie: Yeah, I’m guilty too! Isn’t there a saying that rules were made to be broken? Some work rules should be broken more often… Thanks for stopping by, Stephen.