APU Careers Careers & Learning

Are You the Office Grouch?

By Marcia Powers
Contributor, Career Servicesannoying-coworker

We’ve all worked with an office grouch at least once in our lives. You know, the one who complains about everything, doesn’t smile, and refuses to bring a dish to the company potluck. It’s natural to have a few bad days here and there, but being overly negative shouldn’t be your norm. Being perceived as the office grouch can render you unapproachable and make your coworkers feel anxious to interact with you.

If you’re heading down the path of office grouch-dom, reroute yourself in a more positive direction. Initiating simple, reoccurring acts of kindness is a great way to positively influence how your coworkers perceive you and can have a whirlwind effect on the morale of your office environment.

Greet your colleagues each morning.
Never underestimate the power of a friendly “Good Morning!” Greeting your colleagues warmly each morning not only starts your day off on the right path, but starts theirs as well.

Smile when approached.
If somebody approaches you with a question or problem, make it known that they are not an inconvenience to you. Smile when you are approached to let your colleagues know you are happy to assist them.

Celebrate special events.
Whether it’s a birthday or a new promotion, celebrate special occasions and success stories. A simple card or an email is a marvelous gesture that will leave a lasting impression.

Bring in treats.
Did somebody say chocolate? There is nothing that brightens the office quite like an announcement of treats. Whether it’s a small bag of candy or a box of donuts, treats bring life and excitement into the office, and you will be thanked for it!

Positivity is contagious, and will help build rapport with those you work with. After initiating small acts of kindness, be prepared for a positive response. You might be surprised to see how your kindness is returned to you.

Comments are closed.