Multiple workplace studies have found that one of the biggest reasons people leave their jobs is that a coworker has annoyed them out of the workplace. Today with a challenged economy, many are going to hold onto their jobs and try to make the best of a bad situation.

What if you, perhaps unknowingly through your behavior, are the coworker who’s annoying? Here are some tips for restoring harmony in the office.

The Desire To Be Right All the Time

Do you find yourself arguing a lot over little details that don’t matter much in the big picture? How does this affect the mood of the office? Resist the urge to say, “I told you so,” if it’s not about a big issue. Everyone involved knows that you were right. Don’t shove it in their faces. You’ll look like a much wiser person if you can hold your tongue.

Rule Bending

You may be in a position where you don’t have to follow all of the rules. But this will drive your colleagues crazy if they see you getting away with something that lands them in hot water. It can also weaken your credibility if, for instance, you tell people to arrive on time and are always late to work.

Of course, you may have every right to carry on as you like but do you want people spending their time complaining about you or doing their work? Sometimes it’s good to follow the rules because it’s your, “pleasure to do so,” rather than a requirement.

You Can’t Resist Finishing Other’s Sentences

Perhaps your mind is fast and so is your tongue. At times they don’t like waiting. But it can be very disrespectful to cut someone off and finish their sentence for them. This is especially bad if you you come to a different conclusion.

Having to deal with slow talkers can be maddening but allowing them to finish saves me more time, ultimately, than I get by cutting them off. And by staying silent, you’ll be praised for being a good listener. Good listeners are beloved.

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Copyright 2009 Ken Okel

Ken Okel helps people and organizations get around the obstacles that are blocking the path to success.

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