Every Monday Blogging4Jobs invites our resident Etiquette Expert, CareySue Vega (@Etiquette101), to share tips when it comes to etiquette in the workplace during our own Manner Monday segment.
I’ve written before about ‘interruptions’ in the office asking ‘can it wait’ before you derail someone from the creative track their chugging down. During the Holiday time crunch, everyone is already operating at top speed trying to get their end-of-the-year reports submitted in addition to their regular day-to-day duties. Many of us are excited to wrap it up and head out for the Holidays. In our excitement we often find ourselves interrupting others with small talk about our Holiday plans that eats away at our day.
Small talk isn’t all that bad…
Don’t get me wrong; small talk is important in building relationships and getting to know your coworkers. Just don’t let it consume your day leaving you more stressed as your trying to get all your work done. Don’t hesitate to say ‘I’d love to hear more, let’s catch up during lunch’, or ‘let’s catch up over our coffee break at 3pm’. I’ve even known offices that have been very successful in establishing ‘quite hours’ and a ‘social break’ so everyone can bury their head and focus on getting down to business knowing they have time to chit chat later.
Best of luck digging in, wrapping up, and getting out of the office for some quality down time during the Holidays! And don’t forget to take time to ‘unplug’ and focus on some good old-fashioned ‘face-time’ with someone during your break!
One Comment
Good point! I would add that if your chat isn’t urgent, but you’re concerned about forgetting what you want to talk about, jot down a quick note. An email could work, too, but then you’re only adding something to that person’s plate, which is probably already overflowing. I’d say only email something if it’s a picture or website you want to share, and make sure to note in the subject line that it isn’t an emergency. That way, your recipient can file it appropriately and check it out when s/he isn’t as busy.
I know I’m forgetful enough that I sometimes rush to share a thought or idea before it slips from my mind, without regard for the disruption that sharing might cause. Thanks for the reminder to be aware of other people’s time, especially during a busy time of year. We can all benefit from taking a breath and being mindful of those around us.
Cheers! Lisa Chatroop, Goodd.Co
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