Tips for Being Kind & Courteous During the Busy Season

Tips for Being Kind and Courteous During the Busy Season   Last week we gave you a few reminders of other people’s sensitivity to the smells, sounds, and sights, that can sometimes accompany these busy times of the year. This week we wanted to bring you a few more, so that we can better avoid the stress and struggles of the holidays, and instead make them the most wonderful time of the year.   While this time of the year should bring happiness and cheer, sometimes it brings heightened sensitivity and stress. For many the shorter days and colder temps are a reminder of everything that still needs to get done before the end of the year, or even memories of happier years gone by.   Because of our different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, we all sometimes need a reminder of what might be going on in someone else’s life. Here are a few more tips to help us work well with others during these busy seasons.     Some folks are keenly sensitive to touch. Are you a hugger? Ever noticed others taking a step back when you go in for a handshake or stand too close? Talk with your arms and make broad sweeping gestures that might accidentally knock someone else's stuff over? Be courteous of the personal space needed by those around you. Some folks need a little more room in their personal bubble. Some folks are super-uncomfortable with a hug, handshake, and even a high-five. Some folks are downright stymied by having their personal space invaded.   What to do? Be sensitive to how you're impacting someone else's bubble. Especially in smaller spaces, keep your arms at your sides. As cold and flu season happens, keep your GermEx handy and your hands to yourself. When you’re talking to someone, watch the other person’s body language to see if they’re stepping back or shrinking away, and give them that personal space.    Some folks are keenly sensitive to what they consider to be "in good taste" for office decorum. Get a little bit windblown on your way in from your car? Forget to trim your nails for this afternoon's guitar jam session? Have a fondness for "salty" language in your day-to-day dialogue? Blow bubbles or chew gum loudly, or chomp while you chat on that conference call? Be considerate to those around you who have different sensitivities than yours. Some folks were raised to find public grooming off-putting. Some folks are offended by foul or off-color language. Some folks find mouth-noises like gum chewing or food chewing so distracting they can’t concentrate on anything else.     What to do? Stop and think before doing something at work that might usually go on in the bathroom. If Miss Manners says it should happen behind closed doors, and not in public, take time to step away from your desk, rather than subjecting those around you something they thought they be free from at work. Keep your bubble-blowing to after hours or breaks, and try not to chew into someone’s ear..     Some folks aren't keenly sensitive to any of this, and they do stuff without meaning to offend. Does the little stuff get under your skin? Have minor irritations become debilitating pet peeve's? Are you spending more time focusing on someone else's bad habits or bad manners than your own work? Be considerate to your employer and be gracious to those around you. Some folks are sensitive to the same things you are. Some just aren’t. Some folks are so busy and in-the-zone that they’re not even aware that what they’re doing could be potentially distracting to you.   What to do? Take a deep breath and check your focus. Think about the things and the people you’re grateful for, or the things you do like about the people who are demonstrating mildly distracting behaviors. Step away from the situation or commit to adjusting your own attitude, rather than letting it ruin your day. And be sure not to let your irritation mess with someone else's day!