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You Might Be a Rude Coworker If …
by
Dave Willmer, executive director of Office Team
Accepting and understanding various
personality types in the workplace is an important career skill, but there
are certain work habits that seem to annoy administrative professionals
across the board. These rude office behaviors can range from aggravating
(not responding to coworkers’ requests) to inappropriate (criticizing a
coworker’s religious beliefs) to downright weird (performing a drum solo
with pencils during a meeting).
Following is a list of some of the most irritating office behaviors. You
likely know some colleagues who behave this way. But what about you? Could
you be a rude coworker? You just might be if …
You insist on putting an ‘I’ in team. Being a glory hog and taking full
credit for a group effort can alienate coworkers. Other surefire ways to irk
colleagues include constantly pawning off undesirable assignments and
failing to pitch in when your help is needed.
You ask overly personal questions. Quizzing coworkers about their romantic
lives or their political or religious views and affiliations is not only
rude – it might violate company policy.
You tie up office equipment. Taking ownership of the printer or fax machine
for extended periods is inconsiderate and can affect others’ productivity.
Also, always remember the cardinal rule of cubicle courtesy: If you use the
last sheet of paper in the photocopier, refill the paper tray.
You snitch on your colleagues. Just like in grade school, nobody likes a
tattletale. There’s no quicker way to become the office pariah than to
develop a reputation for gossiping and tattling. Blowing the whistle on
illegal or unethical activity is one thing; needlessly reporting someone for
leaving five minutes early is another.
You are only nice to the higher-ups — sometimes too nice. Most managers see
through shameless attempts to stroke their egos. Likewise, flaunting your
authority or disrespecting subordinates will only breed contempt.
You disrupt meetings. There are countless ways to interrupt a meeting.
Popular methods include pounding away on a laptop or Blackberry, fielding
cell phone calls, initiating side conversations, leisurely sauntering in and
out of the room or dozing off.
You make noise. Talking loudly in person or on the phone is distracting. The
same goes for smacking gum, humming or singing along to your iTunes.
You are pessimistic. While everybody has some gripes and groans about their
organization from time to time, chronic complainers can bring down everyone
with their endless negativity. It’s best to remember what you learned as a
kid: If you have nothing good to say, it’s better to say nothing at all.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dave Willmer is executive director of OfficeTeam, the nation’s leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled administrative and office support professionals. OfficeTeam has more than 300 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at
www.officeteam.com.
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