Company life, a sometimes rude paradise...
25 September 2011
Read by 2057 persons
A long time ago, our grandmothers used to say that "punctuality is the politeness of Kings". We must admit that time and experience have proven them right. As adults, in the workplace, we are more than ever subject to the imperative rules of etiquette. And it seems that this term does, indeed, allow us to "live and let live" better.
On average, we spend a third of our day in our offices. Between heavy smokers in the break room, rugby fans who can't speak softly, and women showing off their latest Vuitton bag, it's often difficult to remain calm, focused, or even measured in one's words. Yet, it is necessary. Yet, the rudeness of some can lead to conflict with others…
Even if it's true that the company is a boxing ring in many ways (natural opposition to hierarchy, fierce competition, individuals and egos of all kinds...), it remains that there is a common code for "professional sharing". Thus, saying "hello" upon arrival, or when entering a room, is the ABC… And it's not a matter of only greeting useful and necessary people. Greeting everyone, acknowledging their presence with a sign, gesture, or a brief word is always welcome.
Courtesy also means knowing how to adapt to your interlocutor when addressing them… So, informal or formal? First name or "Madam", "Sir"? It is necessary to understand the spirit of the company and to comply with current practices, practices often dependent on the size of the "war machine". Indeed, in large structures, it is more prudent to wait for the other person to suggest informal address before taking the risk. Whatever the case, for the rest, your intuition and flair will guide you. It's up to you to listen to them.
Another important mark of respect: knowing how to behave in a meeting. Even if no protocol is posted on the entrance door – although this is starting to be seen –, it is obvious that some clumsiness will be perceived as great signs of disrespect. Thus, mobile phones ringing at the wrong time are not recommended, and text messages that are meant to be discreet certainly aren't; nobody is fooled by heads bowed over knees. The vibrator is essential, remember! As for those who are ravenous at 10 am and leave crumbs of bread rolls on the tables, they don't seem to be appreciated by colleagues. As for the gossips who catch up on weekend gossip, they would do better to refrain! Is it still necessary to remind that there is, even if never clearly expressed, an absolute need for punctuality and a "turn to speak" to be respected? One does not interrupt a colleague at every turn, even one who is a little too loquacious.
Ultimately, it is preferable to quickly define and impose common living rules and apply them from the start. Making concessions and caring about the well-being of others is, ultimately, only a way of respecting oneself… and extending one's life expectancy within one's professional structure!
Article written by The ReKrute.com team
Posted on September 25, 2011.
On average, we spend a third of our day in our offices. Between heavy smokers in the break room, rugby fans who can't speak softly, and women showing off their latest Vuitton bag, it's often difficult to remain calm, focused, or even measured in one's words. Yet, it is necessary. Yet, the rudeness of some can lead to conflict with others…
Even if it's true that the company is a boxing ring in many ways (natural opposition to hierarchy, fierce competition, individuals and egos of all kinds...), it remains that there is a common code for "professional sharing". Thus, saying "hello" upon arrival, or when entering a room, is the ABC… And it's not a matter of only greeting useful and necessary people. Greeting everyone, acknowledging their presence with a sign, gesture, or a brief word is always welcome.
Courtesy also means knowing how to adapt to your interlocutor when addressing them… So, informal or formal? First name or "Madam", "Sir"? It is necessary to understand the spirit of the company and to comply with current practices, practices often dependent on the size of the "war machine". Indeed, in large structures, it is more prudent to wait for the other person to suggest informal address before taking the risk. Whatever the case, for the rest, your intuition and flair will guide you. It's up to you to listen to them.
Another important mark of respect: knowing how to behave in a meeting. Even if no protocol is posted on the entrance door – although this is starting to be seen –, it is obvious that some clumsiness will be perceived as great signs of disrespect. Thus, mobile phones ringing at the wrong time are not recommended, and text messages that are meant to be discreet certainly aren't; nobody is fooled by heads bowed over knees. The vibrator is essential, remember! As for those who are ravenous at 10 am and leave crumbs of bread rolls on the tables, they don't seem to be appreciated by colleagues. As for the gossips who catch up on weekend gossip, they would do better to refrain! Is it still necessary to remind that there is, even if never clearly expressed, an absolute need for punctuality and a "turn to speak" to be respected? One does not interrupt a colleague at every turn, even one who is a little too loquacious.
Ultimately, it is preferable to quickly define and impose common living rules and apply them from the start. Making concessions and caring about the well-being of others is, ultimately, only a way of respecting oneself… and extending one's life expectancy within one's professional structure!
Article written by The ReKrute.com team
Posted on September 25, 2011.
