How to Stop Annoying Your Coworkers

Ever notice that your coworkers don't really talk to you very much? Or maybe they try to avoid you at all costs? This could be because you do some little things that you don't even notice, but that drive your coworkers nuts! Here are some bits of advice that, from my experience, may help you avoid annoying those you work with.

Things You'll Need

• Common Sense
• Common Courtesy
• An Open Mind
• Willingness to Make an Effort

Instructions

1. Avoid the "Jingle-Jangle". This applies mainly to ladies. Try to avoid wearing any jewelry that makes a lot of noise. So don't wear those stacking metallic bracelets and expect a great response from your coworkers everytime you move your arms. Unless it's Christmas, there is no need for "musical" jewelry.

2. Eat QUIETLY! If you work in close proximity with others, keep your meal to yourself. No one wants to hear every gulp you take of your coffee or every sip you take of your soup. So when you're eating or drinking, please do so discreetly. That means no going "ah" after every sip of beverage. Really. It's unnecessary. And very irritating.

3. Do NOT try to jump into a conversation that is taking place over the phone. When someone is on the phone, they do not need, nor do they want, your input on the one side of the conversation that you are hearing. So let him/her talk and if they need your input, they'll ask.

4. If you work in a customer service or retail setting, DON'T interrupt someone's conversation with a customer/client. This is not only rude, but it also is very unprofessional.

5. Definitely DO NOT try to tell someone how to do their job. Unless you are a superior with experience in someone else's job role, keep your advice or opinions to yourself. So if you work in accounting, don't tell the office manager how to answer the phones or how to order supplies.

6. Sure, small talk is nice, but don't share with everyone every little detail of your life when they're trying to get some work done. It's nice that you're trying to put some fencing up around your yard, but no one really wants to know every price estimate you've received from the 5 different companies you've called.

7. Mind your own business as much as possible. You may overhear conversations around you, but resist the urge to just jump in, especially if the conversation is business related. Again, very unprofessional. And it won't really get you on anyone's good side.

Tips & Warnings

• Just try to think about the little things that annoy you at work. If you find that you do the same things, then stop, because odds are you're annoying someone.

• Following these steps is no guarantee to making lifelong friends at work. But it will definitely keep you from getting on anyone's bad side.