Workplace Gripes -
We all have them. Some complaints have to do with the physical environment: office temperature, temperamental copy machines, noise from other cubicles. Other gripes are with the hours, schedule or traffic, but most complaints have to do with other employees. Here are some suggestions on how to cope with a few of the most annoying workplace peeves.
Micromanagement - We’ve all had to deal with micromanagers at one time or another. Managers who tell you what to do, how and when to do it, and then check in repeatedly to “see how it’s going” and offer their critiques before you’ve had a chance to find your groove. This article has some fair tips on the subject.
You may not be able to change the micromanager’s habits, but perhaps you can change the way you work so their oversight doesn’t feel like such an insult to your abilities.
People who don’t take vacations/consistently work late - I share the sentiment of this retired worker whose peeve is people who spend too much time at the job, needlessly. Read what he has to say. I’ll add in people who come to work sick, or encourage others to come to work sick, they fit into the same category.
Interruptions - They are unavoidable, but when it’s always the same people causing the interruptions by popping in while you’re busy, instant messaging you non-stop without getting to the point, or just talking too loudly on the phone, the best thing to do is bring it to their attention (but not when you are steaming mad about it). If that doesn’t work, take it to your boss as a last resort. Be sure to give them fair time to change their behavior before you go for outside help.
Needless meetings - As long as the boss finds them important, you’ll just have to deal with it. The best thing to do is try to get something out of it. Bring your own questions or issues to the table. You may not get a resolution, but participating will get you some bonus points and at least make the meeting more interesting for you.
Finger pointing and lack of accountability - Yes, we all know at least one person who can’t help but point the finger when something goes wrong - maybe we’re even guilty of succumbing to our inner child on this once or twice. We know it gets us nowhere, so why do so many people spend their careers becoming pros at it? …and, how do they keep getting away with it? The best way to overcome this is to accept your own accountability. A great guide for learning how to accept personal accountability is: “The Power of Personal Accountability” by Mark Samuel & Sophie Cliche.
Do you have any workplace gripes to add? Or maybe, you have some solutions that have worked for you in the past? We’d love to hear about them! Please share by commenting below.
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