I recently read a humorous NPR article about theft deterrent notes that people leave on their food in community fridges- like an office or apartment. I had a good chuckle as I thought back on “disappearing cereal and sandwiches. As I reflected I thought of 6 standards of etiquette we should all strive to observe. Quick disclaimer, I am not Emily Post and I do occasionally burp at the table.
1- Make time for those you work and associate with– We have all had that experience when we tap on the door frame or the top of a neighbor’s cubicle and they are too busy staring at who knows what to even turn and acknowledge your presence. Fostering a collaborative relationship in the office (could be apartment) means taking a moment to look up.
2- Don’t be that guy (gal)– The person who comes by and interrupts your hard work to tell you about their new baby kittens, how the season finale of (input favorite show here) or how you can save 15% on your car insurance….and then stays for 15 minutes (or more) blah blah blahing. Don’t be him/her. Respect your associates time and keep your cat news for the lunch break or your Facebook status update.
3- Leave my sandwich alone– I couldn’t write a post about office etiquette without at least mentioning the community fridge. I get hungry and that is why I brought the sandwich. Please do me the courtesy of allowing me to eat it. As an additional piece of advice- if it looks rotten it probably is. If it doesn’t look rotten I still want it. If you work from home and your spouse eats your sandwich just move on…
4- Headphones (and related… pause the Pandora)– we all have our own tastes in music and while I may not be able to comprehend how you accept that jumble of screaming and whiny guitar as pleasurable listening I do respect your decision to subject yourself to it. However I do not want to hear it. So might I suggest that you turn the volume down a smidge, pop in headphones or patiently wait for the privacy of your own automobile? Thanks. Also- if you do listen to music in your private office, when a co-worker comes in for a meeting or an update hit that pause button. I find it a bit difficult to communicate with a Backstreet Boys serenade.
5- Mobile devices– Everybody has a cell phone. Even that guy who proudly shows off his original flip phone has a cell phone. And for some reason cell phone discussions occur at volumes higher than normal conversations. So if you need to take a call, especially in a common area, walk away to a quiet corner. You may think we want to know the intimate details of your personal life but we don’t. I shouldn’t have to add this but I will; the restroom is not a “quiet corner”. Related: when we are talking and you peek at a text or email I consider it rude- thanks.
6- Grandiose claims– I love to celebrate success and share with the team. It builds trust and inspires others to reach higher and do more. I only ask that you wait until the success actually happens. Deals fall apart and exciting news can turn out not quite exciting. In group settings everybody freely shares success and opportunity but we never revisit the topic if details change or facts are misquoted. I really dislike the feeling of sharing my team’s successes with clients and then finding out it didn’t actually happen that “exact” way.
Wow- what started out this morning as a humorous NPR article morphed into a little rant about office etiquette. At different points in my life and career I have been guilty of almost every one of the above mentioned standards (except, of course, eating someone else’s sandwich). I think we could all do a little bit better professionally respecting our colleagues
Question: Did I miss any? Do you have an office etiquette standard that should be observed? Leave your comment below or click here.
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