Smile And Bee Energetic, But Don’t Buzz Around Too Much
Not long ago I was introduced to an organization called Smile & Move. You can find out about the concept and get nifty tips and products here. The information and advice is certainly needed! The next time you are observing a crowd, office or business, notice how few people smile–and how lethargic many of them act about work. Those uninspired images should be a good reminder to look and act pleasant and to show enthusiasm and a willingness to help others.
The honey bee is the traditional example of cheerful industry. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bee grin but I’ve watched bees work and it is fascinating to see how thorough they are as they buzz between, over and in flowers. However, buzzing around like a bee at work is not necessarily a positive thing. It can be irritating and often makes work more difficult.
The problems with excessive buzzing around at work:
*Hyperactivity can seem out of control and overly dramatic.
*Rushed, worried talking can give the impression of being overwhelmed.
*Hurried work leads to mistakes, accidents and misunderstandings.
*When the behavior is chronic it seems manic rather than admirable.
*Other employees resent having to deal with the uproar and panic that seems to often accompany an excessively active person.
Another problem is that being busy as a bee can become egotistical and self-serving. It’s easy to use multi-tasking and busy, busy, busyness as a way to slyly attempt to show others up: “Thank goodness I’m working so hard, since no one else is. I’m such a saint.” Sometimes hectic people make a habit of sharing their long lists of tasks with others. No one is impressed and in fact, they become even more resentful.
Calm down. If you know you tend to buzz around, purposely calm down.
- Move a bit slower to avoid the appearance you are wogging everywhere you go.
- Stop now and then to regain your composure and self control.
- Realize that everyone else is probably working hard too, so don’t create more problems for them with your obsessiveness.
- Don’t recite your list of tasks to others.
- Consider reducing the list and learning to deal with your time and work more effectively.
Smile and move with purpose and composure. Isn’t that the way you want to be viewed by others?
Check out the Smile & Move website, then use it to help yourself have a positive attitude and take positive action–without bouncing or buzzing off the walls.
How do you always know what is happening at my work? LOL!!
I put this link in an email to everyone. Now, the question is, how should the rest of us handle someone who is hyperactive and drives us nuts with buzzing around?
Comment by denisek | July 29, 2009
I loved the Smile and Move website! It sounds like something you would do. Are you working with them now?
I liked this article too and know exactly what you mean, especially the part about busy bees telling everyone how much they are doing. As a manager I have talked to a couple of employees about not doing that because it creates a lot of hostility in others. Thanks for your work. Phyllis
Comment by P.A.H. | July 29, 2009
Tina says: Thank you, Denise and Phyllis, for being regular readers and commenters.
Denise, the main thing employees can do about problem coworkers is to be effective in their responses, rather than being discourteous, snippy or gossipy–and rather than trying to ignore it or tolerate it.
Tell the person what he or she is doing that is so frustrating and why it is frustrating. Don’t continue to put up with it to spare an argument, unless it isn’t really a problem.
Say something like, “Karen, stop it please. I know you’re concerned about getting that work done but venting to me every few minutes isn’t helping.”
Or, “Karen, please stop sending me emails every few minutes or calling me with new concerns. It’s distracting and I don’t work well that way. I don’t want this to keep happening over and over. Please.”
You would use different words, but the idea is there…be direct but courteous. And stop the employee every time he or she starts doing the obsessive or hyperactive things.
Phyllis: No, I don’t work for Smile & Move. I was contacted by someone involved with the business because I have a small little website attached to a larger one for a friend. The url is eatmovesmile. Similar names!
Comment by TLR | July 29, 2009
Hello Tina. Thank you for the help with the problem about a rude employee. We’re working on it and I think we’re on our way to getting it taken care of sooner rather than later!
I’m enjoying the information on your site. You cover a lot of topics and the photos add to it. You’re an accomplished lady! Thanks again. Dan
Comment by Dan | July 30, 2009
This is a great description of my boss, except no matter how much she rushes around she’s behind in her work. I don’t know what she’s doing but she’s in trouble all the time for being late with reports or not getting to meetings. I have offered to help her but she won’t let go of anything. It’s hard to feel sorry for her when she’s standing at my desk telling me how hard she works!
I read your last article about giving your boss a break and I do that because she is a good person at heart. But she drives us all crazy with her actions and her running commentary about what she is doing now, what she did yesterday what she has to do before she can go home yada yada yada. You told someone else to talk to a coworker directly. What about a boss? I can’t just tell her to stop acting like a fool. Ideas?
Comment by Bee Keeper | July 30, 2009
Tina says:
Thanks Dan, your work situation is challenging, but as you have seen, it was made worse by tip-toeing around the employee as though she is above correction. Keep your focus! 🙂
Bee Keeper: Thank you for commenting. I’ve sent you an email. You may not be able to say much to your boss, but sometimes subtle actions can get someone’s attention about how they are coming across. Or, you might be able to quickly give her the support or sympathy she may be seeking.
Try standing up to listen to her, rather than having it appear you are not being interrupted when she talks about her yada yada list of tasks. That way you can say, “I’m sorry, I have to get back to work. Good luck with all that stuff you’re doing and let me know when I can help.”
Or, ask to help about something specific. “Wanda, can I make copies for you?”
Or quickly acknowledge her comments, “Wow, it sounds like you’re overwhelmed with work right now. Will you be able to do it?” She’ll say yes, then maybe you can congratulate her and get back to your own work.
If you have a friendly relationship you might be able to talk to her more directly than you think. But, I agree it’s more challenging with a boss than with a coworker! Be an example of calm control and good work…maybe you can be the leader for her in this situation.
Please keep reading and comment again! T.
Comment by TLR | July 30, 2009