The Inside Job

Go Compliment Your Most Annoying Coworker

By Liz Wolgemuth

Posted: August 19, 2008

Here's a workplace challenge that involves more guts than gray matter. The Careerealism blog is challenging readers to compliment the most irritating person in their office.

A little primer on the purpose of the exercise:

1. Compliments and appreciation are two different things. People tend to overuse appreciation and under-utilize compliments on-the-job.

2. Compliments are free, and thus, a great work perk that can be distributed by both management AND employees during economic downturns and corporate cutbacks.

3. Compliments improve relationships between two people.

4. Compliments feel good to give and receive.

It's not so hard—I'm sure Jim could come up with a compliment for Dwight.

In truth, this "challenge" is really a good habit to cultivate every day. When you give a compliment, you force yourself to see the strengths in someone else, which is a learning experience for you. For example, it may be easy to dislike a coworker's brash and selfish nature, but then it becomes easy to overlook his writing skills—a talent that you ought to be cultivating as well.

All here

Hi, you have a nice site, good Luck!.

I am from Iran and now study English, give please true I wrote the following sentence: "Give it a good run but if it doesn work out for you then move on without shedding a single tear."

Thanks ;). Doris.

Doris of WA @ Feb 15, 2009 14:30:38 PM

I agree

Compliments in the workplace are definatelely tactical. That coworker will utilize something that defines his or her talents and good qualities. It will trigger a taller feeling in both people because it is not only a peace offering but is also a professional action. I've seen it work. I've used it. I've been complimented by that person.

The workplace wants harmony. It thrives on it. I definately agree. Compliment but don't forget this fact of life. Know the difference between truth and lies. Be able to recognize when this happens to you. Utilize this challenge and see the truth in it.

Chris of OH @ Aug 23, 2008 00:02:24 AM

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The Inside Job

The Inside Job

You're taking a break from your job-hunting and job-hopping ways and have decided to stay put in your current position. Liz Wolgemuth’s careers blog will show you how to make the very best of your job, each day.

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