tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post6434014878042172804..comments2023-09-29T06:09:21.089-04:00Comments on Ask a Manager: repulsed by office cultureAsk a Managerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05281942480230532899noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-40676063869628448422009-03-20T13:34:00.000-04:002009-03-20T13:34:00.000-04:00Asking an employee to 'be present' is not nitpicky...Asking an employee to 'be present' is not nitpicky. Tobacco laws aside, spitting does seem to cross the lines of acceptable social norms. I have a similar situation with a peer who constantly picks his nose, and it's been remarked on by everyone in the dept and those outside of the dept. Yet this doesn't affect the quality of his work otherwise. I've figured out a way to address most of these touchy issues that come up, but I have to admit this one still perplexes me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-1757954827252844092009-03-19T22:40:00.000-04:002009-03-19T22:40:00.000-04:00Charles, re: how the letter-writer could explain w...Charles, re: how the letter-writer could explain why they're leaving when talking with prospective employers, I'd try to find a way to talk about the culture (mis)fit without sounding overly negative. Maybe say something like, "I really liked the work, but the atmosphere was casual to the point of being distracting, and I realized that I like being in cultures that are a little more traditionally professional." Don't complain, just explain it wasn't the right fit for *you*. How's that?Ask a Managerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05281942480230532899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-11141035901494526922009-03-19T13:10:00.000-04:002009-03-19T13:10:00.000-04:00I would be interested in AAM's take on Charles's q...I would be interested in AAM's take on Charles's question...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-70561144880174139832009-03-18T12:25:00.000-04:002009-03-18T12:25:00.000-04:00Regarding the Blackberry issue, if you're the one ...Regarding the Blackberry issue, if you're the one speaking when he checks it, stop talking immediately. When he looks up, continue. If he says something, you can say, "I just wanted to make sure you were getting what I was saying." <BR/><BR/>This may be a little too passive-aggressive for some, but it will definitely draw attention to his actions. <BR/><BR/>Of course, he may suggest you continue regardless of his distracting behavior, too...Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09417717344360174085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-89080391688296155142009-03-18T10:48:00.000-04:002009-03-18T10:48:00.000-04:00I'd much rather have a tobacco chewer than the guy...I'd much rather have a tobacco chewer than the guy that has to go out and take a smoke break every time you turn around.<BR/><BR/>The thing that strikes me is that all of these things bother/distract you. They are evidently not bothering everybody. The only person you can change is you. You can decide to be amused by their behavior, or you can change your location to an office/company whose view of acceptable behavior more closely matches your own.<BR/><BR/>We all have slightly (or greatly) differing opinions on what is or isn't professional behavior. For instance, I could not tell you whether anyone I've been in contact with today was wearing a belt today or whether they were bending over or not. I feel pretty certain they were all wearing pants. I think I would have noticed if they weren't. However, I do know what their capabilities are, what their weaknesses are and that they will move heaven and earth to do what they say they will do. That last is , by far, the thing I look for in professional behavior.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-77531239168825477922009-03-18T10:39:00.000-04:002009-03-18T10:39:00.000-04:00AAM - I would like to stress that this is somethin...AAM - I would like to stress that this is something that I wouldn't even want to try to change as anything said could be taken as an insult or in the very least put you on the supervisor's "bad persons" list.<BR/><BR/>The tobacco might be a real issue depending on the state - some states require the workplace to be "tobacco free" which would include chewing. But, again, speaking up might cause you harm.<BR/><BR/>I agree - try to find a way to learn to live with it or move on.<BR/><BR/>AAM - if this person decides to move on; how or even should the situation be mentioned to prospective employers if asked why he/she is leaving?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-50857873431703368052009-03-18T09:50:00.000-04:002009-03-18T09:50:00.000-04:00I think AAM has given some great advice here. I t...I think AAM has given some great advice here. I think that this type of behavior is unprofessional and childish also, but it sounds like that is the culture of the workplace. If the President or others on the management team are not attempting to change it, then they most likely are the ones who created that culture and will continue to support/enjoy it. They will look for others who enjoy that type of environment as well to keep it going. <BR/><BR/>Unfortunately, neither of your choices here are ideal: Ignore/accept the culture and learn how to work within it (doesn't necessary mean that you need to chew tobacco, just be tolerant of it), OR decide to move on to an environment that you feel suits your work style.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com