10 Coworker Commandments Everyone Should Use

Working with others can often prove to be difficult. With so many different personalities, work styles, and viewpoints in play, the office can be a tumultuous environment. The relationship between coworkers is critical for success, but it is also one that is neglected or put on the back burner in lieu of other things. In order to have a positive and pleasant work life, it is important that everyone can work together well towards a common goal. And the behavior of each employee can be an asset or a hinderance.

I think that most people who work with others know how to act as well as how to get along. But there is also the select few who tend to go against the grain and not act in accordance with everyone’s best interests at heart. And when this happens, drama will often follow.

I’ve come up with a list of 10 Coworker Commandments Everyone Should Use that can help keep working relationships within the office healthy as well as productive.

1. Thou Shall Communicate Effectively

Effective communication amongst coworkers is key. Without it, you don’t have much. Make sure you are able to openly engage your coworkers and discuss issues. Doing so will help you problem solve and work effectively as a team. it will also cut down on assumptions which often lead to miscommunications and other negatives.

2. Thou Shalt Not Be Passive/Aggressive

Being passive aggressive doesn’t bode well for you or your team. Say what you mean, mean what you say, and don’t passively complain or take issue with something—do it or don’t do it at all.

3. Thou Shall Be Mindful of Others

You don’t work on an island. So be mindful of others. If you are on a team, try to take into account others’ situations. This type of environment can be good for leadership and team building. It’s also the right way to act when working with others.

4. Thou Shall Pull Their Own Weight

Don’t be lazy. Don’t drop the ball. Don’t pass the buck. If you are given a task, do it. No excuses. Everyone has a position to play. Play yours.

5. Stop Worrying About Everyone Else

If I had a dollar for every time an employee used to come into my office to tell me, “such and such did so and so” or “I did it because so and so did it and it was okay”. Wrong. Use your own judgement, not the judgement of others. And stay in your own backyard. If a coworker or colleague is “acting up”, it will be known. Mind your P’s and Q’s and make sure that your work is on point.

6. Don’t Get Too Personal

I was never too fond of becoming friends with my coworkers, but that is just me. I will say, however, the more personal you get with your colleagues, the more issues it may present. Don’t get too personal. Don’t loan your coworkers money, or cosign for them (yes, I’ve seen it all). Keep it all business and you are less likely to run into any issues.

7. Thou Shall Compliment

When you do a good job, you want to be recognized, right? The same can be true of your coworkers. When you see someone doing a good job, let them know. Encourage one another. Help one another when you can as well. This can be a win/win for you as well as them.

8. Thou Shall Not Be Bossy

Unless you are the boss, don’t be bossy (and even then, don’t go overboard). Don’t micro-manage. Understand that everyone has their own work styles and ways to do things. As long as the end result is the goal of everyone involved, do you and let them do them.

9. Be respectful

In an office on any given day, you may be working with people who aren’t like you. Be respectful. Racial jokes and epithets and sexual conversations have no place at work. Don’t be that coworker that everyone cringes when they see them coming down the hall.

10. Thou Shall Be Open to Learning

No matter your education, your background, your experience, everyone can learn something new. Be open to learning from your coworkers and colleagues and allow yourself to breathe in new ideas. Being the know-it-all in every situation gets old after awhile. Allow yourself to be educated from everyone around you, no matter their position. This can only help you.

Writing posts like these makes me sometimes miss working in the corporate office environment. Most coworkers aren’t bad people—in fact, they can be your allies and often help you. If we all strived to be good coworkers, the office would be virtually drama free. What do you think of my list?