This article, on Brazen Careerist, prompted this post: Are You That Oh-So-Annoying Guy in Your Office?

As much as these things are annoying, and some of them should just be common sense (cleaning up after yourself, etc.).

The rest of the article (I feel), is a bit discriminating. The fact that (we feel), we need to stop people from being themselves just to suit our needs, just proves how dead on ‘The Wall’ by Pink Floyd (for those who don’t know) was. We’re all expected to be this “cookie-cutter” employee in Corp America. Even our students are expected to “fit a certain mold” or they’re labeled with having ADD, ADHD, etc. And how has that benefited our society?

Why do we need to keep our personality outside of the office, outside of our school system, outside of any place where people can’t accept us for who we are?

Do I like a gossiper? No, but I let them know “Hey, that’s not my bag. Let’s chat about something else.”

Do I like it when people come into the office sick? It doesn’t really bother me, as I have a very strong immune system. And most companies only allow for so many days off. Maybe, said person, is having a tough time. Where’s our empathy? Maybe who you should be upset with, is your companies sick time policy.

“The Guy Who Acts Like a Wannabe Celeb.”

Really? That’s his personality, and this is discrimination. If you don’t like him, avoid him. I generally avoid them, but I don’t tell them they can’t be themselves at the office.

“The One-Upper.”

Maybe they’re not being competitive, but because of your upbringing/perspective, you think they are?

“The TMI Guy.”

Maybe he did try resolving it at home, but his partner is relentless. Maybe it is affecting his work-life, but maybe, he really can’t help it. Why not help him? Where’s our empathy?

“The Awful Emailer.”

I do agree that you don’t “Reply All” on a whim, and that you should keep your subject line, condensed and concise. Maybe a course on “Writing Effectively” can help? But as much as I find ”pink italic inspirational quotes in your signature block.” unattractive, I still feel that person should be allowed to express themselves this way. Ignore it, if you don’t like it. Like I do.  And I disagree with “(I trust I don’t even have to mention emoticons.)” I, on rare occasion, will throw this into an email. I feel it shows personality, which is generally absent, and assumed in most emails.

“The Antisocial Guy.”

I’ve worked with a lot of these guys, and I love them. They’re minds work so very differently than mine, and they pique my curiosity. (But I’ve always been the curious, social butterfly.) Even so, I let them be themselves. Why? Because they’re unique and beautiful, and usually very cerebral. They’re introverts (inside thinkers), and might even be shy. Let them socialize when they’re good and ready. And if they’re not, swing by and say “Hi.” smile or wave as you walk past. But never invade their space for too long. :)

Now, if I wanted to continue in the articles theme, I could say the following were forgotten:

• The Complainer
• The Whiner
• The High Priest or Priestess

(I think you get the point. But if you don’t, what I mean is, we can nitpick every quirk out there.)

But instead, let’s remember empathy, and try to understand what that person might be going through, or how they were brought up, that makes/made them who they are today. Maybe even read up on Myers-Briggs, and help yourself understand those around you.

Now It’s Your Turn:

How do you feel about our cookie-cutter society?

Oh, and my Myers-Briggs Personality Type (MBTI) is ENTP. What’s your MBTI?