Deborah OConnor January 21, 2013

Most of us work in an office and there are rules and procedures to follow in business. However, the day-to-day niceties are forgotten and we don’t always treat our co-workers with dignity and respect. Here is a list of not-so-nice behaviors that we can all improve upon.

• “Borrowing” things without asking first. This sounds innocuous, but can be very irritating. If it does not belong to you, do not take it without asking first and if you do “borrow” it, for heaven’s sake return it.
• Taking the last cup of coffee and not making a new pot. This could rank as the #1 most irritating thing people do. Many offices now have pods but many still have the coffee pot. Don’t be the selfish person that is too lazy to make a new pot. If you are just too darn lazy to make it, at least turn off the power so you don’t burn the bottom of the pot.
• Eating all the food. People bring in food for birthdays, promotions, many occasions, and there are always leftovers. Some people have to be the pig that eats everything. There are others that would like something later on, so be considerate and don’t snarf down everything in sight.
• Hogging the refrigerator. The office fridge is for everyone to share. Don’t be the hog that takes up two shelves so that no one else can get anything in it.
• Money issues. Do not ask people how much they make, how much their house is worth, what they paid for their car, how much they are worth, what your fiancé paid for your engagement ring, in other words mind your own business. People are inherently nosy and need to know that it is rude to ask such personal questions.
• Do not interrupt working colleagues. Do not be the person who is always wasting other people’s time. Everyone knows who you are and they avoid you. I know a colleague who actually called his office phone from his cell phone to get rid of a pest.
• Pick your battles. Not everything is worth going to the mat for. Pick the things that are important to you and stick to them. If you complain about every miniscule thing you will not be taken seriously. Do not be the office whiner.
• Do not denigrate others. Comments like, “That’s secretary’s work” or “That’s beneath me” are unnecessary, demeaning, and can get you in trouble.
• Good personal hygiene is essential. In an office people are often in close proximity. If you have not bathed or brushed your teeth and are wearing dirty clothing, you will be noticed and not in a good way. Bad breath, body odors, nose hair, food in your teeth are hygiene issues that you need to be aware of. You owe it to your colleagues to be clean, neat, and professional. It can even cost you your job.
• Give people their space. You should never invade a person’s personal space. In a business situation, it is recommended that you stay at least 4 eet apart so as not to be invading their personal space. If you get too close, it can be construed as improper and you can find yourself in HR.
• Negativity. What a mood killer this can be. You know the person, they are always complaining, they always get the short end of the stick, they don’t make enough money, they never get a raise, no one remembers their birthday, the list goes on and on. They need to be thankful they are alive and healthy and be more positive. Their negativity could eventually cost them their job.

It really does not take a lot to be civil and kind to our co-workers. As always, remember the Golden Rule and you cannot go wrong.

Please feel free to send questions to Deborah at: www.successfulimage.biz.
She will answer them in her weekly column.


Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at:  [email protected]        www.successfulimage.biz