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12 Cube Etiquette Tips for 20-Somethings

sarah ennenga Avatarsarah ennenga
August 31, 2007


It’s very common for young people to commit behavioral faux pas when they‚Äôre brand new to the corporate world. Part of the problem is that college never taught you the rules. If you want to be seen as a suit, rather than a dorm rat, here are some tried-and-true tips.

  1. Control the volume of your voice. On calls and with coworkers, talk at a moderate volume. It’s not the library—but it’s not a frat party either.
  2. Keep personal phone calls brief. If you have to make or receive a nonbusiness call, do it away from where others are working.
  3. Turn your cell phone ring to low or to vibrate. Also, consider changing your ring tone to something neutral and businesslike.
  4. Don’t eavesdrop. If you can’t help it due to the proximity of your desk, at least don’t join in conversations you’re not part of.
  5. Dispose of food containers in the cafeteria or break room. Be respectful of shared spaces. If someone else leaves dishes or trash, clean it up and set a good example.
  6. Use discretion with your cubicle decor. Your workspace is a three-D business card. Think twice about your Paris Hilton bobblehead and Ludacris screensaver.
  7. Don’t get sloshed on business trips. Remember that you’re an ambassador for your company on the road. Also, know that your boss probably has “spies.”
  8. Don’t IM, surf, or social network on the job. Save all nonjob-related online activities for home. Don’t forget that your boss has the right to monitor your emails.
  9. Don’t engage with chatty coworkers. Politely tell them that you’re on a deadline and will find time to talk later—perhaps at lunch.
  10. Don’t procrastinate. You can’t pull regular all-nighters to finish work deadlines. Keep your inbox—on your desk and in your computer—empty.
  11. Don’t gossip. Gossip is toxic and always comes back to bite you.
  12. Be reliable. Say what you’ll do, and then do it. Having a reputation for reliability is the best way to win the respect of coworkers and your boss.

Nicholas Aretakis is author of a new book, No More Ramen: The 20-Something’s Real World Survival Guide (Next Stage Press), and hosts an online community for college students and recent grads at www.NoMoreRamenOnline.com.

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