Article by Stacia Williams originally published in The Nassau Guardian
You pull up a chair to the table, suddenly there is silence followed by the screeching sound of chairs being pushed back as your co-workers scramble to pack up their lunches and leave. "Where are they going?" you ask yourself, "they've hardly touched their lunch?"
"Did they really have to get back to work, or did they just not want me around?"
If you've ever found yourself in a similar situation, here are a few reasons why your co-workers may be avoiding you:
1. You are a know-it-all
We know your last name is 'Right,' what we didn't realize was that your first name is 'Always.' You frequently point out other people's flaws and mistakes and never accept advice from others. Here's a tip: Lose the know-it-all attitude or prepare to eat lunch and take your breaks alone.
2. You are a slacker
You arrive to work late, leave early, and take extended lunch hours. You are always last minute or miss the deadline entirely. Co-workers feel that you don't pull your weight, but how could you, you're hardly at your desk.
3. You're not a team player
You take all the credit for yourself, never giving credit where credit is due. You don't care who you step on to make it to the top. They say it's lonely at the top; could this be one of the reasons why? Remember to thank the "little people" who did all the work.
4. You are a kisser
You look for any excuse to hang around the movers and shakers, always laughing at their jokes, constantly complementing them, and dropping their names every chance that you get. Yes, we must all learn the art of "schmoozing," but you take the game to a whole new level. If you want to have any friends at the office, you're going to have to "tone it down" a notch.
5. You moonlight for CNN
You provide up to the minute reports on everyone
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and everything that goes on in the office. Can you keep a secret? Nobody likes a gossiper and certainly no smart person hangs around with someone who can't be trusted.
6. You "gat it going on"
You've got skills; destined for success, and everyone knows it. Can you help it if you're more talented, good looking, possess professional presence and style? Cheer up. In every life some rain must fall, even if it's in the form of a "playa hater" or two.
7. You're Got Issues
Always whining and complaining about something. Do you ever have anything good to say? Negative to the bone.
8. You Talk Too Much
Chatter, Chatter, Chatter, no one else can get a word in. Please do everyone a favour give your mouth a rest.
9. You're Nosey
Always dabbling in other peoples affairs that don't concern you; "was that your husband?" "How much did that bag cost, where did you buy it from"? A word to the wise M.Y.O.B. (mind your own business).
10. You're Too Perky
The high pitch sound of your voice is about to drive your co-workers crazy. (especially first thing in the morning when you are all "bright eyes and bushy tail" and they are not.) Be careful everyone thinks you are some type of stimulant, because this type of behaviour my friend is just not natural.
If you saw yourself in any of these points don't despair, old habits may die hard, but change will come if you let it. Why not start today? Make a conscious effort to change a bad habit; not only will you make more friends, but I guarantee it will bring you one step closer to the corner office.
See you at the top!
