A phrase I think we have all heard a variation on by now is "Always be kind. Everybody you meet is fighting some kind of battle that you know nothing about."
I think this is a great question because it already shows that you care about your co-workers. If we are going to assume that "everyone we interact with is facing some kind of struggle", then maybe the solution is to simply try and be attentive and patient with others, the way we would all like others to treat us on any given day. "Be the type of person that you would like to be around yourself."
Some examples that I try to implement.
For people I manage, I try to check in periodically just to determine how their work is going or if they need any support from me. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to directly always inquire about their personal lives, but I can at least try to help them if their personal lives start to impact them at work. This includes being understanding if someone needs last minute sick days, even if it is for their mental health and not an acute illness.
For people who manage me, I try to have work finished in advance of when they need it. I also try to establish general check ins so that they know when to expect something from me and have some flexibility to plan their own schedule. One of my bosses has to pick up his kids from school every day around 2. Yet I know he always wants to be connected online. I try to not ask non-critical questions to him between 2-3 so that he can focus on his life outside of work during that time.
When you work with others for a long enough time, I think we usually can see when they are having a good day and when they are having a bad day. Simply trying to help simplify your interactions with them on bad days goes a long way - whether that is quietly handling work they assign, or trying to be understanding about a deadline or mistake that may have been made.
My answer is a bit of a ramble, but I hope it helps at least bring this discussion in a productive and useful direction. There are many ways to positively impact those around us, and being generally cheerful, kind, and patient with them are always great places to start.
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Christopher Seigel P.E., M.ASCE
Civil Engineer
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2020 11:56 AM
From: Jameelah Ingram
Subject: How to Keep the Workplace Civil?
Good Morning,
I do not always know what my colleagues are dealing with behind the frame on video calls. (They could be facing personal issues at home, yet wearing a public face during work hours to get the job done.)
In consideration of this unknown, do you have an approach to being cordial with your fellow coworkers in virtual work meetings?
Your thoughts are most appreciated.
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Jameelah Ingram P.E., M.ASCE
Washington DC
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