UNWRITTEN RULES OF THE WORK-PLACE

Typical work-place…*(Google pictures)

Every office has its etiquette, but some of the universal rules of good behavior seem so obvious that they are easily overlooked. Many people often put off tasks with the intention of performing them later, and they think their bosses or colleagues do not notice. They are dead wrong. Sloppiness says a lot about your ability to finish a task, or your willingness to take responsibility.

How you function in your office environment reflects how you work in general. So while the little things may seem insignificant, it is smart to keep the big picture in mind. Here are some rules of the work place you should never forget:

BE CONVERSANT WITH THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK

If your company provides an employee handbook, read it from cover to cover. The employee handbook not only tells you what to expect in the office environment, it also acts as a formal map to help navigate the organizational culture. It also tells you the dos and don’ts of the organization.

KNOW THE ORGANIZATIONAL HIERARCHY

Carefully consider the organizational hierarchies as you navigate your workplace. Know your direct reports and your direct boss. Do not under any circumstance by-pass your direct boss and take your concerns to higher authority. You must first discuss it with him. If nothing happens even after discussing with him, do not force the matter. Just keep reminding him – politely. Conversely, never ever allow a situation in which in your subordinates feel a need to by-pass you to higher authority. It is a sign that you are in capable of handling the demands of your office.

FRIENDSHIP IS NOT SO MUCH IMPORTANT BUT TEAM SPIRIT IS

If you are a new employee in an organization, making friends immediately may not be such a good idea. Wait and watch a while; study the people. Be careful when it comes to talking about work or office issues with colleagues. The person you are talking to might just be the old office gossip type

What is important however is for you to know your job well and do it with minimal supervision, if at all. When you know your job well enough, your subordinate, colleagues and even your superiors would most likely gravitate to you. They will always seek you out for solutions. Remember, you are solution provider, not just an employee.

Also, even as immediate friendship is not so much important, team spirit however is. Team spirit is critical to determining your success or failure on your job. So, never undermine the importance of working harmoniously with others.

BLEND IN AND, CONVERSE FREELY BUT WATCH OUT

If you are new in a workplace, discuss freely and officially with colleagues, but be minimally personal about yourself. Whether you are speaking with the receptionist, clerk, driver or supervisor, you should be able to have friendly, passing conversations with them. However, while you try to establish a human link, be careful not to go too far about yourself. But try and get as much personal information from the other party as you can. You may need the information later, especially if you are a human resource person. Also, when you need something from a co-worker, you will have a better chance of getting cooperation from the one with whom you had previously conversed with than the one you only say occasional “hi” to.

KEEP YOUR WORK AREA CLEAN ALWAYS

I once read a poster at Access Bank Maryland Lagos, which says “your work area is a critical impression point”. This says a whole lot. The condition of your work area tells the whole story about who you are and what kind of person you are. Remember that you are not working with your mother, and even if you are, I do not think she would like to be the one cleaning up your messy work environment. So be neat. It says a lot about you.

VENT YOUR ANGER BUT ONLY OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

No one wants to work with a constant complainer, regardless of whether you are whining about your manager or subordinate. If you must vent your anger do it with a friend or family member instead of with a colleague. This is not however saying you must pretend when you are offended, or when you are not satisfied with the job done by your subordinate. The point here is: express your dissatisfaction with restraint and in a most acceptable manner. Do not explode under any circumstances.

Also, respect inter-personal space. If your office does not have walls or doors, know that your colleagues are entitled to personal space in which they want to stay and do their job. When you are discussing with someone, be sure to bring down the tone of your voice. Every time you yell across the room to a colleague, you disturb everyone else in the room. Also when you lean over the counter or workstation to talk to a co-worker, you also interrupt their productivity, so consider checking in via email, instant message (if you have them) or intercom before you cut into someone’s concentration.

ENSURE TO MEET DEADLINES

When your boss gives you a deadline, be sure to understand what his deadline means. Knowing this deadline detail puts you on the go. It also gives you a little more time to ask for an extension if, per chance, you cannot meet it, or if extending it means you can deliver a more accurate assignment