I found this quite intriguing and thought to share.
Whether you’re trying extra hard to impress on your first
day in a new job or you’re practically part of the furniture, awkward
situations at work happen to us all.
And, like many embarrassing social situations, how you react
to them will often determine how others see you and, indeed, how you see
yourself.
If you’re particularly prone to these uncomfortable instances,
relax here are a few of the most common awkward situations that may arise in
the workplace, and how you should deal with them:
1. You are
overwhelmed by a co-worker’s scent (natural, or otherwise)
Fragrance is subjective, but if you’re finding it
particularly difficult to work along someone’s overwhelming scent, it’s best to
get it out in the open.
If you’re close to your fragrantly-challenged co-worker, try
approaching them directly (and discreetly) to tell them the truth. It won’t be
easy, but we can guarantee they’ll thank you (in the long run, at least). If
you’re not so close, try finding a mutual acquaintance and explain the
situation. They will then be able to pass on the information and hearing it
from a friend should help to soften the blow.
Do say: I’m so
sorry, but I think I may have an allergy to someone’s perfume. I’m so
sensitive!
Don’t say: Can
you please open a window? Your choice of fragrance is making my eyes water.
2. You forget
someone’s name
So you’re showing a new member of the team around the
office. They’re laughing at your little jokes. You’ve shown them where the fire
exits are and you’ve gone through the health & safety manual. Everything
seems to be going well. That is until you reach a bank of desks to begin a new
round of introductions and, suddenly, you draw a blank.
Although undoubtedly a faux-pas, forgetting someone’s name
is quite commonplace and, with the right amount of humour and self-deprecation,
you’ll pass it off with relative ease. A simple ‘Hi guys, we’re just doing the
intros. Would you mind saying a few lines about yourself…’ is much easier than
‘And this is another very valuable and memorable employee. Sorry, you’ll have
to remind me…’
If this isn’t possible, avoid guessing at all costs. You are not that lucky.
Do say: I’m so
sorry, I’m terrible with names. I’d forget my own if I didn’t have this name
tag.
Don’t say: I want
to say Dave… No wait, Tom. Or is it Neil? No… It’s Dave, isn’t it.
3. You’re alone in a
lift with someone you’ve been avoiding
It could be an overeager co-worker, an unfriendly supervisor
or the guy from accounts who’s been chasing you for that report you still
haven’t finished. Whoever the subject, the approach is broadly the same,
although you do have a few options.
If you really don’t get along with the individual in
question and don’t want to appear fake, a cursory nod or smile will usually
suffice. In all other situations, feel free to say hello, ask how they are, and
leave it at that. They will be just as aware of the situation as you are, and
will usually appreciate that you’ve chosen to break the silence.
Small talk is acceptable, but only recommended if you’re
particularly adept at it. If not, you may only make the situation more
uncomfortable. However, this advice will vary depending on personality, and
length of lift journey (in high-rise situations, take a book and hope for the
best).
Do say: Hi, how’s
your day going so far?
Don’t say: Well,
this is awkward…
4. You accidentally
click reply instead of forward
Some awkward situations can be attributed to technology.
Accidentally sending something you shouldn’t to the very person you don’t want
to see it falls into this category, although almost always, there is a human at
fault somewhere.
The only thing you can do in this situation is come clean.
Take the person in question aside and express your sincere regret in making the
mistake. Apologise for any offence caused, listen to their reaction, and say
that you hope both parties can now move on from this issue.
From your personal point of view, the thing you should take
most from this situation is learning to ask yourself about what the
consequences would be if your message ended up in the wrong inbox - every time
you send an email. You should also take
care to learn the important difference between ‘reply’ and ‘forward’.
Alternatively, if you’re using G-Mail, you might want to take note of the ‘Undo
Send’ feature ahead of time.
Do say: I’m very sorry, this won’t happen again.
Don’t say: Can’t
you take a joke?
5. You accidentally
find out some office gossip
Wherever there is a water-cooler and an overly intrusive
co-worker, there will be office gossip. Our advice is to avoid it, at all
costs. The moment you become part of the proceedings you begin to ask for
trouble. Even if you’re not involved, if the piece of information gets back to
the source, you will look just as guilty as the busy-body who told you about
it.
It’s also vitally important you consider the feelings of
those being talked about. In many instances, what begins as ‘innocent gossip’
can escalate to full-scale bullying. Is divulging this delicate piece of
information worth jeopardising your position for? (Hint: If the answer’s yes,
it may be time to look for a new one…)
Do say: This
conversation makes me uncomfortable, can we please change the subject. (Walking
away also acceptable for those who dislike conflict).
Don’t say: I’m
telling!
Final thoughts
Tact is key. Many awkward moments can be circumnavigated
when handled with the right level of sensitivity, discretion and diplomacy.
Wherever possible, use self-deprecation. Owning up to your
mistakes will demonstrate what sort of person you are, and also help you more
effectively express regret without the awkwardness.
Honesty is usually the best policy (although, in some
instances, white lies may be necessary).
Finally, if all else fails, there is one more failsafe tip
which may help you out of a sticky situation: pretend to receive an important
and unavoidable phone call, and excuse yourself from the conversation. Who said
running away never solves anything?
Credit: Reed.UK
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