“Office” sins to avoid at all cost

We are spending a lot of time focusing on our Service Excellence Standards – in the Daily Huddles and how we live them each and every day. So when I came across this article that lists the things you should never do in an office environment I got to thinking about what would be considered a “sin” here at Children’s Specialized Hospital.

Here is my list of “Office Sins”:

1. Never yell. I have never found a reason that someone needs to yell – unless of course they are trying to prevent someone from running into traffic! If the only way you can get your point across is to yell, then you probably shouldn’t say anything. Take a breath and come back when the yell is no longer in your throat.
2. Dress appropriately. If the outfit you have on is something you second guess to wear to work because it may not be appropriate, don’t wear it. The little birdy in your head telling you that it’s not that bad, probably is fibbing.
3. Cut the negativity. Avoid talking about others in a negative way. It just isn’t nice and never productive.
4. Resolve it. If your feelings are hurt by something that has happened at work, find a way to ask the person why they did what they did – not in a critical way. Seek to understand rather than accuse.
5. Think before you speak. Never let words come out of your mouth that you know you will regret later – we have all done it. Sometimes it may be hard to swallow, but rewording what you want to say will pay off in the long run.

You’ve read mine, now I want to know yours. What does your list of “sins” look like? What are some rules you live by?