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Office Etiquette: 5 Topics Not Meant for Water Cooler Conversations

Office Etiquette: 5 Topics Not Meant for Water Cooler Conversations

by | Sep 6, 2015 | Communication, Office Etiquette, World of Work

Water Cooler Conversations (informal) : Used to refer to the type of informal conversation/chat among office workers that takes place around a water cooler/coffee dispenser or like.

We agree that at times, the informal water cooler conversations are what help us trudge through those boring days at work, which otherwise seem never-ending. However, in the interest of proper office etiquette, it is important to realize that there are certain things best not commented upon or spoken about at the water cooler. Here are 5 things to avoid for a water cooler conversation, and it is only professional to do so!

1. Gossip – It is true that gossip can prove to be chicken soup for the soul at times. However, there is a time and a place for it. And the water cooler isn’t exactly one of those places. It is extremely unprofessional to gossip about or with the people you work. If she gets the alimony or not is actually nobody’s business but hers!

2. Complaints – While you may be thinking the person you are opening up to is a dear and trusted colleague, don’t be surprised if you are proven wrong. It is always a bad idea to complain or bad mouth people who you may be having problems with at work. If you have a problem with someone who has been really affecting you, the best idea is to find a way to talk to the person directly about it.

 3. Love Life Talk – Why would you even bother? Trust us on this, the other person probably doesn’t even care that you are going through a break up. Again, extremely unprofessional, and also, you will be known as the sissy thereafter. Whether a break up or the beautiful surprise date last night, what’s personal should always be kept personal and separate from what’s professional.

 4. Religion – While this may be fodder for a lot of interesting and intellectually stimulating conversations, you will need to be extremely diplomatic while talking about religion and religious issues, lest you go the way of fundamentalism or touch an especially sensitive nerve. There are certain topics where it is virtually impossible to prove a right or wrong because of the several perspectives that exist, and religion is surely on of them.

 5. Boss Bitching – We dedicated a whole separate category for it because it doesn’t belong wholly to gossip, neither to complaints. Once again, a tempting but dodgy subject. You never know who the boss’s minion is, and should be careful especially if you are a fresher. Some people do it just for fun, without any particular cause, which again is definitely unprofessional. But let us cut you some slack on this one, we do understand that at times, you really, really need to vent and the venting cannot wait! Just be careful who you vent to and where!

Your safest bet is to keep your conversations informal but not too informal. How you manage these things define how work place dynamics play out for you. If you thought the water cooler is a place where you can literally say anything, and it won’t affect you, well, you stand corrected. Avoiding the above will help you steer clear of unnecessary controversies. It is also worthy to remember that discussing anything which involves another person, especially if that person is another colleague is a very bad idea (in short, what we said about avoiding gossip). Now that we’ve spoken about what NOT to speak at the water cooler, we would love to hear from you about some of the best water cooler conversations you have had! Feel free to write to us, or to comment here!

Five Practices to Get People to Work Together – Entering the Collaboration Zone

Five Practices to Get People to Work Together – Entering the Collaboration Zone

by | Feb 18, 2012 | Business, Business Operations, Career, Communication, Leadership, Management, Managing Yourself, Mentoring, Performance, Productivity, World of Work

It is tough times for businesses today. Never has it been as important as now to do more with less, share resources and leverage each other’s strengths and get people to work TOGETHER as a single unit to beat the odds. Collaboration is the key to accelerating performance improvements and transformation. Different cultures, working styles and views make any project or initiative that needs collaboration a nightmare.

It does not have to be that way, though.  With a little bit of respect, give-and-take and clear communication, collaboration can become a reality.  Here are five behaviors to get people to work together that if put into practice will align individual performers into a high performance cohesive team ready to take on any challenge:

Get People to Work Together #1: Have One Shared Purpose –

Everyone on the team needs to have a shared purpose or goal leaving individual ambitions or personal agendas aside. Before starting on a project or mission, decide what the primary motive for collaboration is and what needs to be achieved when. Pull your weight, give it your best effort and be mindful about deadlines and commitments.

Get People to Work Together #2: Treat Each Other With Respect –

Treat each other with respect. Allow different views to come on the table giving each view equal consideration before collectively agreeing on the best course of action. Listen, participate and contribute. Give value to get value.

Get People to Work Together #3: Share Credit –

Don’t be an appreciation hog and shy away from giving appreciation where it is due. Be quick to praise and slow to blame. Aim for visibility of the group efforts and not just of your own. As Harry Truman said – It is amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.

Get People to Work Together #4: Let go of the “I” –

You may be an expert and know just the right way to get things done but that’s not what is wanted here. Let go of your ego and consider what the right way is to proceed as a team. Focus your energies and abilities in competing “outside” rather than “inside”. In-fighting is a sure recipe for failure.

Get People to Work Together #5: Leverage Strengths and Manage Weaknesses –

Leverage strengths and make up for each other’s weaknesses to take your group to levels of success that would not have been possible individually. Spend some time knowing each other’s strengths and weakness – ask questions, share ideas, learn new information, and bounce suggestions off one another. Then, divide responsibilities and set accountabilities so that the right people are on the right jobs and the goal becomes manageable.

What other behaviors have worked to get people to work together and improve collaboration in your organization? What irritates you when you are part of a team? I would love to get your insights.

Pic Courtesy : Tim Fishburne, the Marketoonist.