How can etiquette help me when I am having a problem with my cubicle-mate?
Etiquette can help you whilst having a problem with your cubicle mate. It should be done when no one's around to begin with. You should approach your cubicle mate with a smile. Talk through your teeth if you have to, asking "Can I ask you a question?" or even "Id like to ask your feedback on me and, if I may, Id like to give you some feedback on your cubicle etiquette." Another good one is "Is there anything I can be doing that would make it more pleasant to sit next to me?" And your cubicle-mate may tell you the answer, but you can't resent them for it and you have to listen. They may tell you that they don't like your cologne, or you may not know that you tap your pencil incessantly throughout the day or that you are rude to people on the phone. It could be any number of things you're going to hear, so be prepared and come back with "Well, here are some things Id like to talk to you about." Then you can tell your office-mate "Id really appreciate it if you would not use profanity or curse at your wife or say things that are company lies and aren't really the truth. It makes me very uncomfortable." Finally state that you agree to be more conscious of you office cubicle behaviours and that you appreciate them letting you tell them what it is that you needed to say. Talking to your office cubicle-mate can all be done without a fight if you use etiquette. If you regret sitting next to this person and you don't like going to work, then you have got a problem with productivity. Resentments always come out sideways and low-grade anger will kill you.
