Have you ever considered that the most annoying person in your office might be the one who stares at you in the mirror? If it’s true, then you may want to consider the consequences of being an annoying coworker.
Multiple workplace studies have found that one of the biggest reasons why people leave their jobs is that a coworker has annoyed them out of the office. In this scenario, you may lose some top performers. Beyond that, the business will have to pay the associated costs of replacing someone who was good.
In today’s economy, many are going to stay at their jobs and try to make the best of a bad situation. This can have a tremendous downside. Do you want someone around who spends more time thinking about tolerating someone, rather than how to perform at a high level and grow your business?
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 Need to Be Right
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.
I once met a person who was so addicted to being seen as being right that he would start arguments just so they could end with him emerging victorious. The office should not be a place where people get free therapy.
Bending the Rules
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.
If you don’t walk the talk, others may run for jobs elsewhere.
You Can’t Stop Interrupting People
Simply holding a conversation is difficult for some. It often manifests in someone constantly interrupting people.
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 come to a different conclusion.
Having to deal with slow talkers or slow thinkers can be maddening but allowing them to finish saves you more time by eliminating the potential for mistakes. By staying silent, you’ll be praised for being a good listener. Good listeners are beloved.
Bottom Line
Being annoying at work may feel like a privilege but it’s actually a curse of mediocrity.
Is it time to bring Ken Okel to your next meeting…
