Hi Dallas,
My wife forwarded me a press release asking for real-life scenarios regarding business etiquette. I am seeking advice as I'm starting to try to handle the situation and feel that I am likely doing it inappropriately. :)
Up until June 2008, my colleague and I have had separate offices, but are now sharing the same space. Very soon after our move to the new office I was longing for the good old days when I had a door separating me from her. She does EVERYTHING out loud. I can't imagine that she did this when she was by herself because after 1.5 years of working together it seems like I would have walked by her office and heard her talking to herself...
But anyways, she listens to voicemails on speakerphone, reads all of her e-mails out loud -- even if its an e-mail that I was cc'ed on and oftentimes which I have already read. Our department is having a holiday party today and our administrative assistant e-mailed the menu... my colleague proceeded to read the entire menu out loud.
I cannot concentrate at all and my production has gone down significantly and I just cannot take it anymore. I've started to "shoosh" her, but I know that that's childish and probably not the best approach.
Help!!!
A: There is quite an adjustment for those of us that suddenly find ourselves having to share an office space. I have been a victim of this myself in years past. Since this is a work environment, we all deserve to have an atmosphere that promotes a professional and positive environment. If your office mate's behavior is impeding your production this could be considered stealing valuable time from your employer.
When a colleague is too loud, they are not being considerate of their office mate or anyone else around them. What if a client walked in your place of business, are they are subject to this inconsiderate behavior as well? You mentioned that you have had to “shoosh” her and you do not feel that is the best approach. I agree that is not the best approach for a long term solution.
Consider the following:
If you have a close enough relationship to this person, request a private conversation where you can genuinely express your concerns to your colleague. Ask her if there is a particular reason that she reads out loud? Share with her that this is having a negative impact on the quality of your work and try to find a solution. If she continues this behavior, speak with your supervisor and explain the situation. Be sure to also communicate the steps you have already taken to resolve the issue.
Here are some guidelines when sharing an office space:
• Be courteous of those around you by removing ambient noise such as a radios, podcast, webinars etc.
• Keep your voice at a reasonable volume so that you do not disturb your office mate.
• If you have a conference call where you must use the speaker phone; arrange another location for this particular call.
• Do not use your voice mails to entertain the office; putting them on speaker disturbs those around you.
Be sure to ask yourself if you creating the same offenses. The goal is to treat others with respect and finding a mutually agreeable solution.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
HOPE for the Holidays
Something to think about...
The holidays are a time of great hope and also a time of great hopelessness. It seems that those hurts and burdens that we have tried to surpress during the year return with a heighten awareness during this season. This can be caused by many reasons but let's talk about some ways to try to give ourselves a pick me up this year.
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group there are some things we can do to help us beat the holiday blahs.
1. First and foremost, keep a postive attitude. Everything is attitude and this is true here as well. Do not focus on things that are outside your area of influence or control. Just be.
2.Choose to limit amount of time you spent with family members if there are unresolved issues. If your plans change for the holidays be sure let the family know as soon as possible.
3. Set a budget and stick to it.
4.Exercise is key to your overall health. It helps releave stress and keeps the blues at bay.
5. Get plenty of rest, try to maintain your usual sleep pattern. If you do not have a usual sleep pattern, give yourself that gift for the holidays.
6.Think about a change of pace. You may decide that you don't want to get involved with the usual round of Christmas parties and meals, if so, there are a variety of charities that could use your help during this season. Be sure to call and offer well in advance and spend it with people a lot less fortunate.
If these tips don't help you. Think about reaching out for help. There are people who care and you should not have to suffer through this alone.
I would also encourage you to visit www.churchofthehighlands.com. The current message series is about HOPE. The messages are recorded and you can watch them on line at your convenience.
The holidays are a time of great hope and also a time of great hopelessness. It seems that those hurts and burdens that we have tried to surpress during the year return with a heighten awareness during this season. This can be caused by many reasons but let's talk about some ways to try to give ourselves a pick me up this year.
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group there are some things we can do to help us beat the holiday blahs.
1. First and foremost, keep a postive attitude. Everything is attitude and this is true here as well. Do not focus on things that are outside your area of influence or control. Just be.
2.Choose to limit amount of time you spent with family members if there are unresolved issues. If your plans change for the holidays be sure let the family know as soon as possible.
3. Set a budget and stick to it.
4.Exercise is key to your overall health. It helps releave stress and keeps the blues at bay.
5. Get plenty of rest, try to maintain your usual sleep pattern. If you do not have a usual sleep pattern, give yourself that gift for the holidays.
6.Think about a change of pace. You may decide that you don't want to get involved with the usual round of Christmas parties and meals, if so, there are a variety of charities that could use your help during this season. Be sure to call and offer well in advance and spend it with people a lot less fortunate.
If these tips don't help you. Think about reaching out for help. There are people who care and you should not have to suffer through this alone.
I would also encourage you to visit www.churchofthehighlands.com. The current message series is about HOPE. The messages are recorded and you can watch them on line at your convenience.
Art of Gift Giving in Today's Economic Times
The holidays are a great time to say ‘thank you” and offer best wishes for the New Year. It is important that we express our love and appreciation for co-workers, clients, friends and family. Traditionally the holidays give us a perfect time to express this gratitude. Through history the types of gifts vary based on the culture and the economy. To whom we give gifts and the type of gift will be based on your relationship?
In the Workplace
It is important to be sensitive to the current economic situation. Many people are concerned about the current state of the economy, and also the growing needs of others less fortunate. There may be people you know carrying a silent burden, so be sure not to make someone feel uncomfortable by presenting them an expensive gift. Instead, consider bringing something for all to share in the employee break room. This will make everyone feel included and offer an overall sense of appreciation. This will defuse any opportunity to make someone feel embarrassed that they could not reciprocate.
It is best not to give a gift to the boss as this could breed an uncomfortable environment in the workplace. Do participate if the office is taking up a collection for a group gift. Offering a group gift to the boss is quite acceptable.
Consider setting parameters for family gift giving as well?
For the Family
This is a new day and even though it might seem expected to go crazy for Christmas,ponder having a discussion to set new rules this year. It is never appropriate or healthy to go in debt during the holidays. This will also help family members that love to give stay within healthy boundaries so they are not in shock when the credit card bills arrive in January. Drawing names, setting budget limits, or perhaps just buying for the children. If you have agreed work with certain parameters, do not disregard them because you want to be “nice”. Honoring your family’s wishes to abide by these rules is the proper thing to do.
For other special people, you can consider giving them small token of appreciation. If you do this, make a list set a budget for each person. Keep in mind, the gift should be thoughtful and as personal as possible.
Last year, I bought some chocolate covered strawberries and gave them to out to those that I wanted to say a special “thank you” like the mailman.
Bottom Line:
Make a list
Set a budget
Be creative- Homemade gifts are great
Try to focus on what is really important this holiday season.
In the Workplace
It is important to be sensitive to the current economic situation. Many people are concerned about the current state of the economy, and also the growing needs of others less fortunate. There may be people you know carrying a silent burden, so be sure not to make someone feel uncomfortable by presenting them an expensive gift. Instead, consider bringing something for all to share in the employee break room. This will make everyone feel included and offer an overall sense of appreciation. This will defuse any opportunity to make someone feel embarrassed that they could not reciprocate.
It is best not to give a gift to the boss as this could breed an uncomfortable environment in the workplace. Do participate if the office is taking up a collection for a group gift. Offering a group gift to the boss is quite acceptable.
Consider setting parameters for family gift giving as well?
For the Family
This is a new day and even though it might seem expected to go crazy for Christmas,ponder having a discussion to set new rules this year. It is never appropriate or healthy to go in debt during the holidays. This will also help family members that love to give stay within healthy boundaries so they are not in shock when the credit card bills arrive in January. Drawing names, setting budget limits, or perhaps just buying for the children. If you have agreed work with certain parameters, do not disregard them because you want to be “nice”. Honoring your family’s wishes to abide by these rules is the proper thing to do.
For other special people, you can consider giving them small token of appreciation. If you do this, make a list set a budget for each person. Keep in mind, the gift should be thoughtful and as personal as possible.
Last year, I bought some chocolate covered strawberries and gave them to out to those that I wanted to say a special “thank you” like the mailman.
Bottom Line:
Make a list
Set a budget
Be creative- Homemade gifts are great
Try to focus on what is really important this holiday season.
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