We spend roughly one third of our adult lives at work. Is there a better place to place enemies? Probably not. So if you are looking to make people hate you, here are some ways that I have found very effective in the professional world.
Harass them with high fives.
Nothing will make people avoid you more than obligating them into unwanted physical contact. People won't be able to turn you down without looking like a jerk (which no one wants) so pretty soon people will go out of their way to stay out of your sight... and reach.
Peddle products.
Cookies, pop corn, Mary Kay. People can't turn you down without feeling like a jerk for not helping out the Boy Scouts, or Girl Scouts, or whatever extra curricular activity your kids are involved in.
Whistle while you work.
Pretend it's American Idol. You should probably start out by whistling or humming softly and with any luck you will be singing at normal volume before long. The best part of performing to an unwilling audience at work is that they are captive! With nowhere to go, they may grow to loathe you more with every song.
Take a dip in the office dating pool.
We've all fallen into the trap of thinking that a harmless work romance couldn't possibly end on bad terms, and yet they almost always do.
Push your way into private conversations.
You all know how much I love eavesdropping, but you cross all kinds of lines when go from listening to conversations, to jumping right in. You will be amazed at how quickly people stop talking anywhere near you when you poach your way into their private chats.
Help yourself to snacks.
Think of your work environment as a big happy family where everything is shared. So if you see a tasty snack on a neighbor's desk or in the break room fridge think of it as community property.
So there you have it! Tomorrow is the start of a new workweek so go forth and try these new tactics out! Have a jerky week everyone!!
Read it. Love it. Think you're missing a thing or two though...
ReplyDeleteHaha feel free to share! I had to be somewhat careful - some of my coworkers do read these posts! LOL
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ReplyDeleteLOL, we all know you're a jerk, Eileen, so no worries about offending. ;)
ReplyDeleteI think something you could have added would be eating smelly food. Some foods, mostly seafood, STINK when you heat them up. Keep that at home, or at least in the break room.
Good one! Smelly foods ARE completely alienating!
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