If you're a working girl then you've learned early on that you spend more time with your co-workers than you do with your own family—especially if you have a typical 9 to 5. This isn't so bad if your co-workers are fun, lovely people. But what if they're not? Or even worse—what if you are the problem? That's right, you. What if you are the person that your co-workers scoff at, roll their eyes at, and moan in agony every time you walk in a room? To make sure you're never that girl, follow these tips below.
The Complainer
You don't ever want to be pegged as "the complainer." The complainer (for lack of a better word) complains about everything— all the time. She's always complaining, whether it's about the boss, the company, her family, other co-workers, her health, the outcome of a project, the help desk—whatever. She's a pessimist to the core and as if verbalizing her negative opinions isn't enough, she always trying to convince people to agree with her snarky comments and unfortunate outlook on life. There are going to be days when you might not agree with something or don't like the way a situation was handled in the work place, you may even be dealing with issues at home, but it's important that you don't drag that into the workplace and try to cast clouds on other people's sunny days. That's not to say that you are doing this intentionally and are deliberately trying to turn everyone into a "negative Nancy," but complainers are toxic and can drain others. If you feel the need to complain, write it down in a journal, but don't complain to your heart's content to the co-worker near you. Don't be that girl.
The Gossiper
You also don't want to be known as "the gossiper." The gossiper knows everything about everyone and always feels the need to share that info with office staff. The gossiper is responsible for most of the unnecessary tension in the workplace and is naturally viewed as the most untrustworthy. If you come across some juicy info keep it to yourself. Don't broadcast that info to the entire office. It's not your business to tell. Don't be that girl.
The Know it all/Do Gooder
The know-it-all /do gooder is typically the most annoying out of the bunch. She is highly ambitious (which is a good thing) but always feels as though she has to be the center of attention. This usually entails dominating meetings with her ideas and shooting down those offered by other employees. Her main argument is that she knows what's best for the company but will never listen to what her co-workers actually have to say. She also has a tendency to point out her co-workers mistakes, especially in front of the boss or other co-workers. She also rarely gives credit where it's due. Don't be that girl. Let other speak and share their ideas and don't go into defensive mode if someone's idea is better than yours. If you want to point out a mistake or offer criticism, do it in private. Don't embarrass them in front of others. Also remember to always acknowledge help that you received from others and compliment them for their work.
Photo by Alaivani