To Speak or Not to Speak?

Have you ever walked past a co-worker and said good morning only to have no response or a blank stare? Do you share a cubicle with someone who doesn't seem to have two words to say to you? Does this behavior seem rude? Do you think this person does not like you? Here are some comments from people on the subject:

Honestly why does this matter? You are there to work not become best friends with people. While I agree it is a nice pleasantry to greet people with a cheery good morning or hello some people just don't...I wouldn't let it bother me at all.

I only bother to say good morning to people that I walk right past on my way in, which means I won't greet some of the people who work in my office all day. But if anyone wants to make the effort to say good morning to everybody, I will certainly reciprocate the greeting.

Some people are not morning people and just do not want to speak to people in the morning. And some people are just so into themselves that they don't focus on others around them until it suits them.

There are many kinds of personality types within the workplace and our #1 priority is to be able to work with all of them and get the work done. The reality is that some people just don't like to say 'good morning' or 'hello.' Perhaps they are having a bad day, or need to improve their interpersonal skills- nine times out of 10 it has nothing to do with YOU. The bottom line is: do what makes you feel good (as long as it doesn't offend others) and don't take it personal…..

If You Want Something Done, Thank Others for What They Do

Have you ever ventured to the mailroom and requested a package be sent but it was past or getting close to deadline for drop-off to send special packages for the day? Did you ask a co-worker to help you on a project and got the feeling that they really didn’t want to help you? Getting others to perform tasks can be a challenge, especially when deadline are approaching. Below are some ways that will help you in making requests of others in or outside of your department.


1. Acknowledge People/Departments
Public acknowledgement is a great way to recognize your co-workers. For example, during staff meetings, acknowledge the work that other departments have done. In companies that have a mailroom and duplication/support services department, I find that these departments are the most neglected when it comes to recognition. Everyone within a company is a valuable asset, so let them know that they are appreciated.

2. Express Gratitude.
Ever had a meeting and there were refreshments left over? Why not call members from other departments and ask them to partake in some of the snacks. If you don’t have meetings with leftovers, a simple “thank you” is always welcome. This is a kind gesture that lets people know how you value their service and saves food from getting thrown away.


3. Ask for input/suggestions
If possible, before making a request ask for some input on how the project or task can be completed more efficiently. This shows that you are interested and open to suggestions.


4. Don’t let every request be an emergency.
This requires some planning and organization on your part, but even the most organized individual has emergencies. If it is a situation that requires urgent attention, be assertive and ask for help and apologize for any inconvenience.


Showing gratitude and appreciation is another workplace positive reinforcement method that can cause for productivity to increase as well as moral. Remember the old saying, “Treat others how you would want to be treated.”

The ‘Bcc’- Friend or Foe

On average, we receive over 100 emails per day. The daily inbox is comprised of spam, junk mail, solicitations, marketing advertisements, greeting cards, friendly ‘hellos’, newsletters, and of course, business correspondence. In business correspondence, the Bcc, otherwise known as Blind Carbon Copy, is used when the sender wants inform someone of the dialogue, but doesn’t want others to know that the “invisible recipient” is receiving the email. Simply put, it is a way to “hide” recipients from others.

Friendly Uses

• If your email has a large recipient list, you can use the Bcc to hide email addresses and protect recipients privacy.
• You can Bcc yourself in an email so that you can receive a copy and file it away electronically as a follow-up on a later date or for informational purposes.

Not So Friendly Uses
• Sending a reply to someone who would take offense to the communication - a method to inform them of what is being said about them or other subject matter
• Relaying confidential information to individuals who should not be receiving the information in the first place - Note: confidential information should not be sent in email form. Never send vital information such as account numbers, social security numbers, or credit card information in an email.
• Creating a paper trail - a supervisor documenting an employee’s responses or vice versa

The ‘Bcc’ feature is a helpful tool, but can be used for inappropriate or wrong purposes. Since you never know who is being Bcc’d in an email, never send a reply that you wouldn’t want someone else to read or make public. Call the person or visit them in person.