BE CAREFUL IN OFFICE CONVERSATIONS
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SUKUHOPES
Aug 14, 2008, 1:57:51 AM8/14/08
to Kences1
The changing face of Corporate India has made the office a relaxed
place with casual interpersonal relations among colleagues. However,
no matter how informal the set-up may be, it is important to draw a
line when you choose your topics of discussion with colleagues (even
if they are your pal) if you wish to maintain your credibility and
reliability.
“Very often people indulge in unnecessary topics for reasons best
known to them. The sad part is that they fail to understand the
underlying meanings that could be derived from their words,” points
out Radhika Deshmukh, an inhouse counsellor with a KPO. She further
continues, “Spending most of your day at work often leads to bonding
and friendship with colleagues, but you have to be cautious when you
talk as it’s quite possible that someone is overhearing and drawing
their own interpretations of what you are saying.”
For example, discussing issues like health problems are likely to
raise a question on your ability to cope with the work pressure and
stress that entail you responsibilities as a professional. Now lets
take a closer look. Listed below are a few more topics that are best
kept off the office conversations
HEALTH
=======
“Avoid discussing your health problems at work. I have often heard
people discussing their health problems with the minute details. This
can backfire, especially when the management is considering you for a
role change or promotion, as seniors may start doubting your
efficiency level. In fact, unless you are really unwell, I would
suggest avoid using ill health as an excuse to take a day off from
work. While you may get that particular day off, your boss may pick up
the underlying meaning,” suggests Deshmukh.
Thus, it may unintentionally become a hindrance in your growth as a
professional.
RELIGION
========
As they say, ‘To each, his own’. Religion is a subjective issue and
following or not following a particular religion is an individual’s
personal choice.
So ensure that you do not hurt your colleagues’ religious sentiments
by being vocal about your ‘expert’ opinions.
No matter how rational your opinion or argument may be, avoid forcing
it directly or indirectly on others.
You are free to follow your principles, but think twice before picking
on others beliefs.
Stay away from talking about your past or present relationships. No
one apart from the gossip mongers are interested in knowing about the
new girl/ boy in your life or what you are going through in your
personal life.
Remember personal life is best kept personal. Even if you have a
colleague, who may perhaps be your best friend, it is best to discuss
such topics outside the office premises over a cup of coffee or
dinner.
Within the confines of the office remember that s/he is first a
colleague, and then a friend. So presenting yourself as a thorough
professional can help you scale the success ladder more effectively.
FAMILY PROBLEMS
================
Learn to draw a line between your personal and professional life.
Nagging in-laws/ parents, stupid siblings, naughty, cranky or fussy
children, non-cooperative spouse and irresponsible maids are best kept
within the confines of your home.
Family problems are a strict ‘no’ at work. “Detailed discussions on
such issues can be interpreted as being a distraction and raise a
question on your ability to concentrate on your work and therefore
make your colleagues wonder about your productivity,” avers corporate
trainer Kavya Makhija. That’s not it.
Cribbing about domestic problems may also be perceived as your
weakness or inability to handle difficult situations, which can in
turn be linked to your work. Your boss may therefore want to think
again before
SETBACKS
=========
Failure and setbacks are a part of life. Often people discuss their
failures to present themselves as a ‘honest’ personnel, who is aware
of his/ her position in a particular set-up without realising the
counter effects of the same.
There is no denying the fact that one needs to understand and learn
from mistakes and failures; but hanging on to one incident may give
your colleagues an impression that you are someone who cannot move on.
So think twice before you start discussing your setbacks at work.
Other issues
Sex, Life, Death, Weaknesses, Television soaps, Politics
N.Sukumar
Research Analyst
place with casual interpersonal relations among colleagues. However,
no matter how informal the set-up may be, it is important to draw a
line when you choose your topics of discussion with colleagues (even
if they are your pal) if you wish to maintain your credibility and
reliability.
“Very often people indulge in unnecessary topics for reasons best
known to them. The sad part is that they fail to understand the
underlying meanings that could be derived from their words,” points
out Radhika Deshmukh, an inhouse counsellor with a KPO. She further
continues, “Spending most of your day at work often leads to bonding
and friendship with colleagues, but you have to be cautious when you
talk as it’s quite possible that someone is overhearing and drawing
their own interpretations of what you are saying.”
For example, discussing issues like health problems are likely to
raise a question on your ability to cope with the work pressure and
stress that entail you responsibilities as a professional. Now lets
take a closer look. Listed below are a few more topics that are best
kept off the office conversations
HEALTH
=======
“Avoid discussing your health problems at work. I have often heard
people discussing their health problems with the minute details. This
can backfire, especially when the management is considering you for a
role change or promotion, as seniors may start doubting your
efficiency level. In fact, unless you are really unwell, I would
suggest avoid using ill health as an excuse to take a day off from
work. While you may get that particular day off, your boss may pick up
the underlying meaning,” suggests Deshmukh.
Thus, it may unintentionally become a hindrance in your growth as a
professional.
RELIGION
========
As they say, ‘To each, his own’. Religion is a subjective issue and
following or not following a particular religion is an individual’s
personal choice.
So ensure that you do not hurt your colleagues’ religious sentiments
by being vocal about your ‘expert’ opinions.
No matter how rational your opinion or argument may be, avoid forcing
it directly or indirectly on others.
You are free to follow your principles, but think twice before picking
on others beliefs.
Stay away from talking about your past or present relationships. No
one apart from the gossip mongers are interested in knowing about the
new girl/ boy in your life or what you are going through in your
personal life.
Remember personal life is best kept personal. Even if you have a
colleague, who may perhaps be your best friend, it is best to discuss
such topics outside the office premises over a cup of coffee or
dinner.
Within the confines of the office remember that s/he is first a
colleague, and then a friend. So presenting yourself as a thorough
professional can help you scale the success ladder more effectively.
FAMILY PROBLEMS
================
Learn to draw a line between your personal and professional life.
Nagging in-laws/ parents, stupid siblings, naughty, cranky or fussy
children, non-cooperative spouse and irresponsible maids are best kept
within the confines of your home.
Family problems are a strict ‘no’ at work. “Detailed discussions on
such issues can be interpreted as being a distraction and raise a
question on your ability to concentrate on your work and therefore
make your colleagues wonder about your productivity,” avers corporate
trainer Kavya Makhija. That’s not it.
Cribbing about domestic problems may also be perceived as your
weakness or inability to handle difficult situations, which can in
turn be linked to your work. Your boss may therefore want to think
again before
SETBACKS
=========
Failure and setbacks are a part of life. Often people discuss their
failures to present themselves as a ‘honest’ personnel, who is aware
of his/ her position in a particular set-up without realising the
counter effects of the same.
There is no denying the fact that one needs to understand and learn
from mistakes and failures; but hanging on to one incident may give
your colleagues an impression that you are someone who cannot move on.
So think twice before you start discussing your setbacks at work.
Other issues
Sex, Life, Death, Weaknesses, Television soaps, Politics
N.Sukumar
Research Analyst
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