Deborah OConnor November 18, 2013
November 17, 2013
By Deborah O’Connor
November 18, 2013
November 18, 2013
There are so many ways to offend colleagues at the office. Here are some simple yet effective ways to keep office harmony.
- Don’t be offensive with your camera. We’ve all had someone snap a photo of us at work or a work-related event and then see it posted on Facebook. Do not do this unless you have permission to do so. It is an invasion of privacy and very rude.
- Don’t pop into a colleague’s cubicle uninvited. Make sure you know their office policy. Some people don’t like being interrupted and prefer you make an appointment. Others are less formal. Make sure you know what they expect.
- Reconsider your ringtone. Annoying, piercing ringtones are a distraction and should not be used in the office. Loud rock songs fall into this category as well and are disruptive to office and cubicle mates.
- Keep your personal items off of the dining table. Some people sit down for a meal and spread out many of their belongings. You will see car keys, cellphones, papers, wallets, and many other items. First, it is rude to do so. At a meal there should be nothing on the table except what you need for the meal. Secondly, cell phone are riddles with germs and it is unsanitary.
- Try not to leave voicemails longer than 30 seconds. We’ve all received those rambling, seemingly never-ending voicemails and they are extremely annoying. Start your message with your name and phone number, leave a brief message, and end it by restating your name and phone number.
- Respect people’s names. Resist the urge to shorten names when you are introduced. If you are introduced to Charles, don’t call him Chuck. Watch for cues, such as the way someone signs their email; feel free to use that name.
- Don’t exclude others from the conversation. When you are with clients or business associates, don’t engage in side conversations. It’s rude and makes others feel excluded. Also, if your native language is not English, don’t speak in that language with others from the same country if it is not understood by everyone present.
- Use social media wisely in business. Don’t share every single thing you do in your life with business colleagues on Facebook. While family and friends may be enthralled by every detail of your life, it’s not appropriate for business associates.
- Don’t ask people where they are staying on a business trip. Not everyone can afford to stay at an expensive hotel. You might unintentionally embarrass someone and make them feel uncomfortable.
- Always give people the dignity and respect they deserve. You don’t have to agree with everyone or everything they say, but do show respect for others and their opinions.
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
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
