Chatterboxing

A Note to Minions:

We have two tendencies – to chat and then get annoyed when others are chatting.

Tips for the Chatterbox:

(1) Never stay in the office when you get a personal phone call.  Either step out of the office or don’t take the call. 

(2) Chat wisely: Did your boss just ask you to do something fairly quickly?  Why are you chatting about your weekend plans?  Get your task out of the way and chat about your upcoming plans as a breather/micro-break.

 (3) Chat with purpose: It’s OK to be in the breakroom and just smile, nod, get what you need and bounce.  No one needs word vomit. 

Tips for the Chatter-boxed:

(1) Unless coworkers are chatting directly outside your cubicle/office/workspace, there is no need for you to get annoyed that they are talking.

(2) When someone does word vomit when you’re just trying to get more coffee and Advil, smile, nod, and say, whew, what a busy day, no?

(3)  Whatever the topic of conversation is, just be friendly, gracious, and unassuming until you know your coworkers for years.  One needs a coworker who is always too busy and important to be nice to their fellow minions like they need shot in the foot.  One needs a coworker who is overly open about their religious/political/sexual preferences about just as much. 

A Note to Supervisors:

Tips on Chatting with Staff!

(1) Remember: until they’ve worked with you for a while, you’re the BOSS.  Fear not, after a while, if you let it, the power barrier will loosen up a bit.

(2) Staff feel like they’re at work when they’re talking to you.  Although you’re used to schmoozing, they may not be.  Be courteous and speak easily with them.  Do not be shocked or put off if your staff is super formal for some time.

(3) Pay some attention to your audience: you might think you’re just saying hello and asking how their work is going, but if they are on a deadline and don’t have time to talk, this banter will add stress as they overthink, “Did I just offend them by not stopping to chat?”