How to Avoid Being the Co-worker No One Likes - The Muse

How to Avoid Being the Co-worker No One Likes - The MuseHow to Avoid Being the Co-worker No One LikesUgh, you know who I always feel bad for in any arbeitszimmer? That co-worker who can make a room go silent just by walking in. OK, thats an exaggeration. But you know the person Im talking about the awkward colleague no one wants to spend any more time around than necessary. Whats worse, he or she never seems to have any clue how the rest of the office really feels. Which might make you wonder Are there things youre doing that make others uncomfortable? While were assuming the answers no, just make 100% sure thats the case by following ansicht simple rules for not being that person in the office.1. Give People SpaceThere are few things more unsettling than having someone constantly near you when youre trying to go about yur business during the workday. Yes, some offices seat people very close together, but that doesnt mean you should literally breathe down your colleagues necks. Give your co-workers as much space as possible. This ranges from eating lunch away from your desk, working from another part of the office (if thats an option), and even just refraining from nonstop chatter. Yes, you can ask how your cube-mates day is going. No, you cannot check in with that same question every hour, on the hour. 2. Steer Clear of GossipWhile everyone enjoys to hear a little office gossip from time to time (and hey, it can actually be good for your career), no one really likes the person doing all of the gossiping. Often times, people start to avoid the office gossip for fear of getting involved in some career-damaging rumor.No matter how good the information is (and we know, it can be juicy), its better to keep anything you hear to yourself- unless its interfering with the companys well-being or someones life.Unsure of how to steer clear of the drama? Writer Katie Douthwaite Wolf has several really actionable tips on how to do it the right way (a.k.a., without insulting anyone).3. Beware of OversharingA little office small talk is good for general morale, and most people have no problem hearing about your exciting announcement or fun weekend plans. However, you need to create a few boundaries before you embarrass yourself or bore your co-workers to death. (And yes, both are equally bad.)Some topics that typically start off innocent, but can quickly veer right into overshare territorySaturday Night Shenanigans Your office doesnt need to know how quickly you shotgun a beer (though its probably impressive).Personal News Sharing engagement photos is okay. Debating wedding centerpiece arrangements at staff meetings is not.Stream of Consciousness Theres simply no need to explain everything happening outside your window.An easy trick to decide if youre saying way too much In any given conversation, dont talk for more than 20 to 40 seconds at a time before letting the other person speak. This will keep you from dominating a discussion and give you more ti me to filter your thoughts.4. Keep it Professional OnlineOversharing isnt just an IRL thing we all know those people who are a pain in the butt online, too. No one likes to deal with that person who fills the office chat room with random messages about his or her totally welchested weekend, unrelated pop culture news updates, or political rants (for more on that, check out Muse columnist Kelli Orrelas tips here). And, if youre friends with your co-workers on social media, you also need to be aware of your presence there, too. One of my co-workers once launched a very personal blog (Im talking detailed discussions of his sex life) and shared it on his Facebook page. Naturally, we all saw it and read it- including our boss. Do I even need to explain how uncomfortable the next 36 hours were for our team?5. Stop Sucking UpUsually, sucking up starts with good intentions You just want to impress your boss and your colleagues in order to prove to everyone that youre capable of doing your j ob (and then some). And thats totally OKWhats not OK? Always agreeing with the person in charge, regardless of how bad the idea is. Or worse, jumping into action the second the ideas thrown out there, nabbing all the important project responsibilities, and doing whatever it takes to look good.Be mindful that you dont overstep the line from impressing your boss to screwing over other people. For example, offering to take on a new and exciting project is a good career move stealing the project from someone else who was already working on it is a big no-no.6. Keep it CoolEvery office has that one person who runs around acting like its the apocalypse. All. The. Time. The coffee maker isnt working? Shes hoarding Keurig cups and sending company-wide emails about how caffeine withdrawals make her loopy. You send him a presentation 10 minutes after you said you would? Hes at your desk lecturing you about how close you came to ruining the relationship with the client and threatening to tell your boss about your lack of timeliness. The office crazy person only raises the stress levels of those around him or her. So, if youre feeling yourself wanting to scream (even if its for good reason), take a moment to breathe, stretch, and collect your thoughts. Your colleagues will thank you.Sure, there are awkward moments in the office from time to time- but that doesnt mean you should be the source of them. By following these six rules, you should be in the clear.