Texting or emailing during workplace meetings. Last week, I heard of a case where a 20-something was texting during a client meeting. I could understand why his 50-year old co-worker was irritated. Texting and emailing during meetings is disrespectful to the other parties in attendance. Don’t do it!
Tardiness to work related meetings. Showing up late for real estate and construction related business meetings is unprofessional. It shows a lack of disregard for everyone else’s time. Respect your co-workers and improve your chances of them respecting you.
Complaining without offering possible solutions. Unfortunately, complainers are usually right when they whine about a problem, but few people are willing to grant credibility to those who are unwilling to offer solutions. Bring solutions to the table and improve your credibility with the older crowd.
Finally, avoid the temptation for isolation. This often occurs when relying too much on electronic communication. Get up from the computer once in a while and have a face to face conversation with some of the old-timers. They have a lot of knowledge to offer and talking to them will help establish good interpersonal relationships with this group.
photo:sean dreilinger
1 response so far ↓
Melody Campbell, The Small Business Guru // October 8, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Your last point is so essential in any workplace. Electronics and social networking tools (IM, Twitter & Pounce, etc) are meant to enhance communication not replace it.
I wonder if the leadership of the company initiated an intentional activity to encourage more face to face time between different departments, employees, etc?
A smart, up and coming gen x or y could add face to face time to their career strategy.
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