We have started a segment allowing potential candidates to ask questions that will be answered directly by our CEO, Darcy Swift. This month’s question is:
QUESTION: How do I professionally handle a co-worker that WILL NOT stop talking? I am fairly new to the office and she has been there over 10 years so I don’t feel like I am in a position to make complaints. She is a lovely woman, but she literally talks all day long about everything BUT work. She will follow me around while I work to finish her stories. I try to be nice and throw out hints that I’m busy but she doesn’t seem to notice. Everyone else loves her but the constant talking is driving me crazy. Is there a way to handle this without coming across as the new, difficult team member?
ANSWER: One of the easiest ways to handle uncomfortable situations like this when you are new to the team is to fall on the “it’s not you, it’s me” cliché conversation. Just explain that you love your new job and the people (like this person) you work with, but you’re having a hard time staying focused with so many side conversations. You are still new and trying to learn so things aren’t as natural for you quite yet. Let her know that you would love to create some time to talk to her (maybe during lunch or after work) but need to focus and learn your new position.
Most co-workers will understand this, especially since she has been there for so long. You are not telling her that you don’t want to get to know her, simply rescheduling conversation for another time. Maybe this will encourage her to talk to someone else during work hours and allow you to get back to your job.
If you have a question you want answered, please contact us here. We will feature one frequently asked question a month.
We have started a segment allowing potential candidates to ask questions that will be answered directly by our CEO, Darcy Swift. This month’s question is:
QUESTION: How do I professionally handle a co-worker that WILL NOT stop talking? I am fairly new to the office and she has been there over 10 years so I don’t feel like I am in a position to make complaints. She is a lovely woman, but she literally talks all day long about everything BUT work. She will follow me around while I work to finish her stories. I try to be nice and throw out hints that I’m busy but she doesn’t seem to notice. Everyone else loves her but the constant talking is driving me crazy. Is there a way to handle this without coming across as the new, difficult team member?
ANSWER: One of the easiest ways to handle uncomfortable situations like this when you are new to the team is to fall on the “it’s not you, it’s me” cliché conversation. Just explain that you love your new job and the people (like this person) you work with, but you’re having a hard time staying focused with so many side conversations. You are still new and trying to learn so things aren’t as natural for you quite yet. Let her know that you would love to create some time to talk to her (maybe during lunch or after work) but need to focus and learn your new position.
Most co-workers will understand this, especially since she has been there for so long. You are not telling her that you don’t want to get to know her, simply rescheduling conversation for another time. Maybe this will encourage her to talk to someone else during work hours and allow you to get back to your job.
If you have a question you want answered, please contact us here. We will feature one frequently asked question a month.