Top 5 Annoying Co-Worker Habits

Co-workers, love them or hate them, you don't get to choose them. Unfortunately, this makes for some unpleasant situations in the workplace, especially when you have inconsiderate co-workers. Those co-workers with habits which disrupt your day and make it just a bit more miserable. Compiled below is a list of the top 5 annoying co-worker habits. If your habit is on the list, take heed, it's time to make some changes.

1. Germ Spreading

The coughing, the hacking, the dirty tissues everywhere! You may think it shows dedication to come to work with mucous dripping from every orifice, sneezing and barking like a small animal, but the truth is, you look like someone who could care less about your co-workers and doesn't know how to care for yourself. In short - you look like a liability. A study by Staples Advantage reveals that 65 percent of employees show up at work when they are contagiously sick and employers are concerned about decreased productivity due to sick employees. Making everyone else in the office sick does not make your employer or your co-workers happy. Instead, do everyone a favor and stay home. Use your sick time, PTO, or even a vacation day to take care of yourself and get some rest. Return to work when the germs have left your body and you can be a productive member of the team.

2. Playing Loud Music

Some people like to have a little mood music at work, I get it. However, the music which mellows your mood can be distracting to your co-workers, especially when you blast  it at full volume and start to sing along.  Instead, be considerate and play your music at a moderate or low level that only you can hear. Also, consider investing in headphones and keep the volume on those at a moderate level as well. Given that a report by Canadian researchers shows workplace noise is linked to heart disease, you may want to turn off the volume entirely.

3. Tardy For The Party

Although a CareerBuilder survey shows the recession may have improved punctuality in the workplace, you still have some employees who make it a habit of being tardy for the party. Co-workers who make it a habit of arriving late to work can be one of the most annoying to tolerate. Your lateness can infringe on the productivity of others, especially if they have to pick up the slack until you arrive. Cut the excuses for why you are late - no one cares. Instead, plan your affairs beginning the night before to insure you arrive earlier than your scheduled start time. In this way, you have to time to deal with any unexpected mishaps and still arrive on time. For instance, if you know there will be traffic - leave a half hour or an hour earlier. Expect the best, but plan for the worst.

4. The Secret Borrower

Well, let's just call them what they are, the stealers. It is annoying to return to your desk from a bathroom break or from lunch and find your stapler or favorite pen missing. Then you walk around the office to find it sitting on a co-worker's desk; the same co-worker who took your scissors last week. When you take something without asking, it is called stealing, especially when you don't put it back.  Instead, when you borrow and the person is away from their desk, leave a note so they know you have it. Also, don't "borrow" anything from anyone if you have a habit of "forgetting" to put it back.

5. Text Talk

Hey, I love the quick and easy language of a text, especially when I'm in a rush. However, there is a time and place for everything. Don't litter your office emails with texting jargon - IMO, @TEOTD, AEAP, OTOH, EML. Given that the ability to effectively communicate is one of the most important skills for workplace and career success, it is important to demonstrate you are not functionally illiterate. If you want to be viewed as a professional with strong communication skills, all of your communications in the workplace should reflect a professional demeanor. And for goodness sake don't ever talk text in a live conversation! There's nothing worse than conversing with an adult who suddently blurts out - AYK, OMG, LOL! :)

 

Is Your Co-Worker A Thief?

"Imitation is at least 50 percent of the creative process."
 - Jamie Buckingham

Are you concerned about an idea thief at work? A co-worker who steals your ideas can be one of the most frustrating individuals to deal with. However, find out how you can put your best ideas forward without fear of the idea thief:

If you have a great idea and you are concerned about it being stolen, put it in writing and present it in front of others, preferably with management or key decision makers present.

Also, put the situation into perspective by remembering that imitation is the highest form of flattery, so keep up the good work. Don't let the fear of someone stealing your idea keep you from putting your best ideas forward, simply be strategic in how you do so.

The Best Way to Deal With Problem Employees

"An unaddressed spark soon becomes a fire." -Treivor Branch

Problem employees often rear their heads in the form of bossy co-workers, lack of respect for authority, poor work ethics, and the list goes on. These employees pose a significant risk to the morale, productivity and ultimately the profits of any company. So what can you do? 

The best way to deal with problem employees is EARLY! Allowing an employee's poor behavior to go unchecked is a big mistake. Always remember, an unaddressed spark soon becomes a fire. Document the employee's poor behavior and meet with the employee privately as soon as you notice the issue. Present the facts and focus squarely on the problem behaviors.

Every company, large or small, should have written policies regarding employee conduct and performance. These policies should be communicated early, as soon as a new employee joins the company. During your meeting with the employee, remind the employee of the company's code of conduct. Establish clear guidelines regarding behavior going forward and clearly state the consequences for non-compliance - up to and including termination. Always document the discussion, agreed upon expectations, and consequences for non-compliance.

Problem employees show up in every workplace, however, addressing their behaviors early can keep a spark from becoming a fire.

Choose Your Crowd Carefully

"Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character." -The Bible [1 Cor. 15:33]

Did you know who you associate with closely at work can help or hinder your career?

Do you  hang with the groaners and moaners or those with a positive attitude and positive work habits? Remember, birds of a feather flock together, or at least that's the perception. Therefore, limit your association with those who have negative attitudes about work and negative work habits. Eventually, their negativity will manifest in your thoughts and work habits.

Their attitude about work will create and magnify workplace drama. They will make you think you hate your job, when in fact you may not find it bad at all. Also, others will begin to perceive you as a negative individual because of the company you keep. Such attitudes and habits can eventually sabotage your career.

For success in your career, seek out those who have a positive outlook and positive work habits. Learn from them and forge alliances which can position you for career advancement. When it comes to career success, choose your crowd carefully at work.

How to Have A Drama-Free Holiday At Work

Keep it fun for Everyone!

In today's diverse workplace, how do you keep the holiday season in your office drama-free and diversity friendly? Here are some quick tips: 

1) Recognize there's more than Christmas - Christmas is a Christian holiday and there are many more religious and cultural holidays being celebrated which coincide with December 25th. Some of the most recognized cultural and religious holidays include:  

- Hanukkah which is an eight-day Jewish celebration commemorated with the lighting of one candle held by a menorah each night of the celebration; 
- Kwanzaa which is a seven-day celebration commemorated by some African-Americans in which family and friends gather to discuss the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa which are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith; 
- Ramadan which is a Muslim celebration held during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which includes a thirty-day fast from food, drink, sex and other indulgences. 
 

2) Do not make participation in holiday parties and events mandatory - Continue to foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect the beliefs of all within the workplace by making participation in any holiday festivities optional. Do not highlight, penalize or stigmatize those who decline to participate.

3) Make Alcohol Optional - Along with the restrictions associated with other cultural and religious beliefs are personal restrictions, especially as it relates to indulgence in alcohol. Make alternatives to alcohol available at the holiday party so that those who do not drink alcohol will feel welcome and included. This may also prevent overindulgence in alcoholic beverages, especially since some may be driving home following the party.

4) Have A Planning Committee - To have a truly memorable and inclusive event, it is best to assemble a planning committee well ahead of time and solicit feedback from all levels of the organization on what should be included to make the office party an inclusive and memorable event.

When The Music Sucks Turn The Dial

"Fire and swords are slow engines of destruction compared to the tongue of a gossip."  -Richard Steele

Not sure if that conversation is gossip or not? Here's how to tell:

Workplace gossip is always a hot topic. However, what I find interesting is how many people are unsure whether a conversation they are engaged in is considered malicious gossip or whether they should even engage in the gossip or not!

If you are approached with gossip and you are unsure whether it is malicious or not, a good gauge is what would the subject of the conversation think about it if they were standing there. For instance, are you talking about how much you admire their presentation skills or are you talking about how bad their presentation skills are? If the latter, then chances are you are engaged in malicious gossip. At this point, the power is in your hands. When the music sucks turn the dial. You can either end the conversation or shift the conversation to something more positive, even if you agree with what is being said.

For instance, if you are speaking with the gossiper, you can say something like, "I know that presentation was not the best, but what are some tips we can give ____ so that they can improve their presentation skills."  You can also go directly to the co-worker who is the subject of the conversation. Instead of talking about the co-worker behind their back, you can give them constructive feedback directly in a helpful tactful manner. Again, the power is in your hands. When the music sucks, turn the dial. 

We've Got Issues So Let's Talk

"If you have a problem with your brother, [tell him to his face]."  -The Bible [paraphrased]

Got issues with someone at work? Don't hide behind a text or an email. Here's why:

If you have an issue with someone, talk it out. Confront the person about the issue early; don't wait days, weeks, or even months, this will only intensify the issue. Also, never confront a person with whom you have an issue via email. When someone reads your words, they may receive the message differently than if they hear the words from your own mouth. They also miss the opportunity to see your facial expressions and the body language which go along with the message. 

There is nothing like meeting with a person face-to-face to resolve an issue. Talking it out live ensures clear communication and increases your chance of reaching a mutually acceptable resolution. If you can't meet face-to-face due to distance, then certainly pick up the phone. However, either way, meet early and talk it out live.

My Indecisive Boss Is Driving Me Crazy!

"If you think your boss is stupid, remember: you wouldn't have a job if he was any smarter." -John Gotti

Do you work for someone who has trouble making decisions? Is your indecisive boss driving you crazy? If so, then you may be able to help your boss make a decision with these quick tips:

If you work for someone who has trouble making decisions and often procrastinates, then your boss is likely a perfectionist. Your boss' indecisive behavior is often fueled by a fear of making mistakes. Perfectionism is one of the most paralyzing and unproductive behaviors in the workplace. 

You can help your indecisive perfectionist boss by stepping up to the plate with some specific suggestions. Do not dictate or push the boss to make a decision, rather offer the suggestions in a helpful and tactful manner. Provide details as to why a particular suggestion is the best option. Your boss will appreciate your input and feel more confident in moving forward with making a decision.

You're Not The Boss of Me

"He isn't a real boss until he has trained subordinates to shoulder most of his responsibilities." - William Feather

Are you having a tough time dealing with a bossy co-worker? If so, find out how to deal with the wanna-be-boss:

If you are plagued by a bossy co-worker who tries to flex authority which has not yet been bestowed upon them, then simply confront them in a tactful manner. Let the wanna-be-boss know that your top priority is the work assigned to you by your real boss and if they need assistance or, if they are having trouble handling their own workload, then they should speak to the boss.

Also, make your boss aware of the situation. Often, this type of boundary crossing occurs when colleagues are unclear about their roles and responsibilities; which makes it the perfect situation for management to sort out.

The Gift of Forgiveness

"Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner." - Max Lucado

Forgiveness is one of those attributes that's easier to talk about than

to practice, especially at work.  Why is forgiveness so important in the workplace? Find out now:

Forgiveness is one of those attributes that's easier to talk about than to practice, especially at work.  Why is forgiveness so important in the workplace?  Max Lucado once said, "Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner." So let's consider what happens when you don't forgive. 

When someone offends you and you hold on to that grudge - you become angry, oftentimes consumed with it, you seek revenge and you may begin to resort to dirty tactics which can undermine you and sabotage your career. Simply put, you put yourself at risk. Risk of saying or doing something that can derail your career.

Remember, no one is perfect. There will be people that offend you intentionally and, in some cases, unintentionally.  Life is too short to hold grudges and seethe over a perceived slight. Make the determination today that you will take the first step and forgive.

The Drama-Free Workweek Book

Is DRAMA sabotaging your workplace and your career?

DRAMA is one of the top causes of workplace dysfunction and career derailment. Every workplace has it so you can't escape it. However, you now have the secrets to effectively handle it and the difficult people who cause it.

The Drama-Free Workweek is your pocket guide to handling the most common difficult people in the workplace. Learn how to effectively work with The Gossiper, The Backstabber, The Micro-Manager and more!

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