Common behaviors that annoy others
April 3, 2018
By Brian Maynor
Etiquette is an attempt not to annoy or offend others, but what if we end up annoying them anyway?
Sharing space with others is tricky, and it doesn’t matter if it’s a work or not. Group dynamics can change in a heartbeat, especially when annoyance flares up.
Here are a few of the most common ways we can annoy others in our effort to be polite:
1. Ignoring a greeting. A ‘hello’ or ‘good morning’ said in passing by a barista or coworker may not seem like a big deal, but when we don’t respond to it, people get annoyed. It takes a second to return a greeting and goes a long way to keeping the peace. Who knows, it might even brighten the day for everyone involved.
2. Projecting/Venting a bad mood. Some people bound out of bed to greet the morning with joy and optimism, but those of us who don’t we just need to keep our feelings on the inside until we can. Snarky comments made under our breath or condescending smirks and eye rolls just prolong our bad mood and frustrate everyone else.
3. Not cleaning up. Meetings can be lots of things: chaotic, busy, frustrating, long, etc., but food and drinks can make them better. However, leaving a mess behind is never OK. It doesn’t matter if there is a cleaning crew coming in afterwards or not; it’s rude to expect someone else to clean up after us. Make everyone’s job easier and be respectful by clearing away our own trash. And if we’re feeling benevolent, pick up someone else’s who hasn’t read this tip.
4. Blaring music over our headphones. Headphones are a perk and tool to help us and others focus and concentrate. However, that purpose is defeated when everyone else can hear our playlist. While blasting our power anthem may get us motivated, it is a distraction for everyone else around us. They probably don’t want to hear our favorite song on repeat for an hour.
5. Looking through someone instead of at them. Going to work means seeing the same people day after day, but that is never an excuse for failing to properly acknowledge them. It’s dismissive and disrespectful. No matter how many times we walk by someone, we should properly acknowledge them with eye contact and possibly even a nod of recognition. It’s never polite to treat someone as if they don’t exist.
6. Leaving papers on the printer. This is probably one of my biggest pet peeves. When I worked in an office, not only were there a handful of people guilty of this offense, they would expect me to deliver their work to them on my way back, “because I was already going.” Did you feel my eyes roll? We are all responsible for our own work and that includes our printouts.
We all have quirks and habits that we do without really noticing them, but their impact on others shouldn’t go unnoticed. It just takes a little mindfulness of our behavior to make a big difference in our impact on others.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
