How to manage annoyances related to close proximity in the workplace?
18 March 2014
Read by 3187 persons
There are various nuisances in a company, various types of annoying colleagues, various types of potential and latent conflicts. And you have to deal with it. You have to "manage", to use a fashionable verb.
But how? How do you explain to this colleague that he has bad breath, to this one that the ringtone of his mobile phone upsets the whole open-space, to that other one that he is not obliged to tell you about his weekend in detail...?
To avoid
Among the attitudes to avoid are verbal violence, anger, aggression in all its forms. There is no point in rushing headlong towards the other person to "correct" them, you would quickly regret it insofar as your own image would be tarnished.
Also to be avoided: inaction, passivity in the face of the inconvenience caused.
It's not about shouting, not being silent, not scheming, but rather about asking yourself the right questions before acting.
Take stock
First of all, reflection. Ask yourself: What is the object of the annoyance? What are the hard facts? What is the subjective part, related to the colleague? What do you want to achieve? How can you practice non-violent communication to resolve the situation?
Be tactful
Consider that you are going to tell your colleague something that, to say the least, may not please him. So prepare yourself in advance for the fact that it may not be very well received. Avoid speaking under the influence of a negative stimulant (hunger, fatigue, stress, anger, disappointment...) which could amplify the delicate aspect of the situation. Take some time to calm down before expressing yourself and carefully choose the words you are going to use. Be moderate and courteous, yet firm and determined. Absolutely avoid being abrupt and be kind in your words and gestures. You can start the discussion with: "Would you accept to discuss a sensitive issue that makes me a little uncomfortable?" before continuing by explaining that you may not be the only one to feel this annoyance. The neutrality of your tone will help to get the message across.
Good luck!
The ReKrute.com Team
But how? How do you explain to this colleague that he has bad breath, to this one that the ringtone of his mobile phone upsets the whole open-space, to that other one that he is not obliged to tell you about his weekend in detail...?
To avoid
Among the attitudes to avoid are verbal violence, anger, aggression in all its forms. There is no point in rushing headlong towards the other person to "correct" them, you would quickly regret it insofar as your own image would be tarnished.
Also to be avoided: inaction, passivity in the face of the inconvenience caused.
It's not about shouting, not being silent, not scheming, but rather about asking yourself the right questions before acting.
Take stock
First of all, reflection. Ask yourself: What is the object of the annoyance? What are the hard facts? What is the subjective part, related to the colleague? What do you want to achieve? How can you practice non-violent communication to resolve the situation?
Be tactful
Consider that you are going to tell your colleague something that, to say the least, may not please him. So prepare yourself in advance for the fact that it may not be very well received. Avoid speaking under the influence of a negative stimulant (hunger, fatigue, stress, anger, disappointment...) which could amplify the delicate aspect of the situation. Take some time to calm down before expressing yourself and carefully choose the words you are going to use. Be moderate and courteous, yet firm and determined. Absolutely avoid being abrupt and be kind in your words and gestures. You can start the discussion with: "Would you accept to discuss a sensitive issue that makes me a little uncomfortable?" before continuing by explaining that you may not be the only one to feel this annoyance. The neutrality of your tone will help to get the message across.
Good luck!
The ReKrute.com Team
