All Articles Tagged "office behavior"
Do You Have Bad Desk Etiquette? Clip Your Nails At Home, Not At Work.
It may sound disgusting, but I have seen people clip their nails and floss their teeth at their desks. And these are just two no-nos, according to “9 Things To Never Do At Your Desk” in the HuffingtonPost. In fact, all hygiene issues should be done at home, though flossing in the bathroom is acceptable after lunch.
Workplace expert Susan Battley, of BATTLEY Performance Consulting, Inc., agrees. “ALL personal grooming activities, especially those involving air pollution such as hair spray and nail polish should be done at home,” she tells us.
Among the other don’ts: Have a problem with hubby? Don’t call him up and scream at him in your cubical. Wait until you get home to finish that argument.
And, says Battley, don’t start cursing people out on the phone — or in person. “Foul language and cursing are no-nos,” she says. “These are absolutely unprofessional and disrespectful under all circumstances.” Tell this to Damon Dash, who used to spit out curse word after curse work when he was running Rockafella with Jay Z.
You can keep your house as messy as you want, but your desk shouldn’t be a pigsty (check out our article on how to organize your workspace). Not only can a desk in disarray make it difficult to work, but it is an eyesore for you, your co-workers and clients who may venture into your area.
Also avoid talking bad about co-workers and customers. “Bad-mouthing peers, bosses or customers behind their backs. The temptation to do so can be strong when you’re frustrated or stressed and you’re right at your phone and computer,” says Battley. “You are likely to become regarded as a complainer, under-performer or untrustworthy of people’s confidences.”
So keep the nail clippers, the foul mouth and the floss at home.
More on Madame Noire Business!
- Hustling in the Hair Capital: Detroit Stylists Create Extensions Line ‘Hair Crush’
- Too Broke for Babies: U.S. Birth Rate Drops Because Money is Tight
- Sallie Mae is No Joke: Do You Regret Your Degree(s)?
- Job Hunt Tips: Interview Questions You Should Ask
- A Dollar And A Dream: Use Apps To Crank Up Productivity
- Want a Promotion? Organize Your Workspace
When Imitation Makes Good Business Sense
Oftentimes, we’re encouraged to be different. Be unique! Be innovative! But actually, every once in a while, being like someone else could be the better advice.
Fast Company talks up the power of mimicry in business. The author Ron Friedman conducted research with University of Rochester “motivational experts” finding that having a positive thinker in the room rubbed off on others. A motivational person begets other motivational people.
Likewise, when Debbie Downer is in the room, that person brings everyone lower. All of this is called “motivational synchronicity,” a tool Friedman says we’ve developed in order to form bonds with others.
“Because we are born to emulate the motivation and emotions of those around us, negative colleagues can have a detrimental impact not just on our attitudes–but on our performance as well,” the article says.
The story cautions readers to hire the right people and choose the right companies, seeking out people and environments that will foster a productive and cohesive workplace.
However, you can also take this idea and look inward. Are you a positive influence in the office? If your colleagues or boss don’t think you are, it could become an issue for your future with the company.
Or, is there someone at the office that you feel drains everyone of good vibes? That person is to be avoided, if at all possible.



