Etchings on the Attic Wall

Highly Effective Work Habits:  Water Cooler Chat: Dos and Don’ts

Salary.com recently posted 7 Dos and Don’ts that you should consider when chatting with coworkers around the “water cooler”.

1. Do – Sunday Hike.  Sharing your hobbies and interests can help people get to know you.
2. Don’t – Sunday Service.  Keep religion out of the work place.  It is fine to tell people that you are religious, but this can be a very touchy subject if you are not careful.
3. Do – Book Group.  Tell people about the great book you are reading.  Can spark good conversation and lead others to try out the same book.
4. Don’t – Hot Button Book.  If you are reading about things like abortion, politics, global warming, or other “hot button” topic like this, don’t start discussing it.  Most people are very passionate about topics like this and it can lead to heated conversations.
5. Do – Travel Talk.  Your coworkers are always interested where you traveled on vacation.
6. Don’t – Pillow Talk.  Do I really need to explain why here?  Keep your private romantic encounters to yourself.
7. Do – Goals and Dreams.  Sharing these with people can help increase productivity and may spark new ideas how to achieve them.
8. Don’t – Personal Finances.  Never discuss how much money you make with coworkers.  It can create an uncomfortable work environment.
9. Do – Family and Friends.  Keep it positive.  This helps people see you for who you really are.
10. Don’t – Personal Problems.  Work can be stressful enough at times without bring your personal issues into the workplace.
11. Do – Restaurant Review.  Yet another good way to connect with people.  Everyone loves food!
12. Don’t – Drunken Disorderly.  Your shiny image could be tarnished if you share stories like this.
13. Do – Good News.  If you have good news in your life (i.e. promotion, bought a new house, new baby, got married), share them.  This can help boost morale.
14. Don’t – Bad News.  Don’t share this kind of information about other colleagues.  It is personal and if they want to share it, it should come from them.