Help me draft a note to the annoying cube neighbor

[sbj405]

I posted yesterday about my obnoxious, gum popping, laughing, giggling, instant messenging neighbor. As wimpy as it sounds I think the anonymous note if the route to go. This women does not even return my "hellos" in the morning, so talking doesn't seem to be an option. Here's what I have so far. I'm trying to make it as nice as possible (to avoid the retaliatory loudness). There are 3 of us that have moved into the cube neighborhood in the last 3 weeks, hence the "we". Here's what I have so far . . .

"I am sure that you don't realize it, but your periodic laughing and giggling are rather disruptive to your cube "neighbors." While there are always distractions in the cube environment, we ask that you try to minimize this, as we try to do the same. Thank you for your cooperation. "

Suggestions?

[NoPasaran]

1. Write that on a Post-It

Stick it to a brick and heave it over the divider

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[radwriter0555]

3. Your constant noise is too distracting in this work environment. Please

be more quiet and considerate.

Thanks.

[ihaveaquestion]

18. Good comments - but no note.

Be brave and tell her to her face. After that you'll probably have to go to managment. Don't be afraid to be the bad guy/girl - nice doesn't always win.

I had a similar problem with a woman who is 40ish but very childlike in her behavior - giggling and loud talking constantly! She can't shut up and realizes it, saying to anyone who shushes her "that's just how I am." Well after I asked to move my office and she got a new (quieter) manager, she is much better. She's afraid of me because I complained, but that's fine with me. It just means that I rarely have to say anything anymore. Usually, I just look at her and she shuts up. A simple comment is sometimes needed, though. This morning she was standing in my doorway talking to her boss (loudly) in the next office and I asked her if she was talking to me. She apologized and moved into her bosses office to talk to her. Finally, success!

[displacedtexan]

4. It will only work if it comes from the boss.

Most bosses don't have anything better to do than reprimand workers. Leave a note in the boss' mailbox and see what happens. Shouldn't take long if the boss is a typical doofus.

[TXlib]

5. I'd talk to the coworker first, then go to the boss afterwards

if she doesn't change her behavior.

[peekaloo]

13. I agree with this route

I've been in management positions before and it's always best to try and work out the problem(s) yourself.

[Bertha Venation]

6. "Pop!"

Didja see "Chicago?" :evilgrin:

No practical suggestions. Your draft sounds good to me. Best of luck.

[ZenLefty]

7. Don't send a note

Either ignore her or take it up with management/human resources. If there are a number of you it will bolster your argument. I think a note will just create an environment of distrust and disgruntlement.

[THUNDER HANDS]

8. here's what you write....

"YOU SMELL"

Nobody likes to be told they smell. She'll probably quit out of humiliation.

:D

[donco6]

9. I would never send a note on this issue

You really have to talk to her -at least initially. She probably won't listen, then you go to the boss.

[NJCher]

10. rough draft

You're probably not aware of it but your periodic laughing and giggling are disruptive to those surrounding you. It interferes with concentration and thus productivity. While there are always distractions in the cube environment, we were hoping that awareness might alleviate the situation.

Please don't misinterpret this note. We're happy (pleased, or another word of your choice) you're our co-worker and look forward to working with you.


Cher

[NJCher]

11. it's worth a shot

If she goes to the supervisor first, she earns the undying enmity of having brought this annoying habit to the attention to management. She can always talk to management later if this doesn't work.


Cher

[readmylips]

12. A note will make things worse...

Are you a guy or gal? As horrible as it sounds, find something that you may have in common with her. Like if she has kids, family topics, etc. You and your cube neighbors talk to her in friendly terms. Stand in front of her until she has to talk the friendly talk. Use diplomacy and not confrontation and move in to make set her straight. Find out through the grapevine, if she's manager's pet or walking a fine line. Usually, management says that gal and gal cat fighting in the office, are both to blame and you don't win. You'll be tarnished and painted with the same brush.

If you're a guy, you can straight out tell her that she's disturbing you from doing your work, period. Don't have any exchange with her. Make sure someone else is present when you confront her. Her type are usually afraid of male authority. If she makes a big deal, stay business-like and a gentleman. Let her take the fall.

Good Luck!

[sbj405]

14. That's my concern

I haven't seen her be friendly with anyone in the office though. I have heard one of the other neighbors try to be friendly and she just ignores her. I guess she's too busy talking to IM friends. :shrug:

[JaySherman]

15. If you feel like being a bit of a snitch...

Instant Messaging on company time would likely be highly frowned upon by management, especially to the degree that she's apparently doing it. Chances are they may already be aware of it, given the logs most companies keep on employee computer activity these days. If they're not, find a way to make her activities known to the right person or people. Chances are if she's not walking a fine line already she will be soon. She keeps it up and she won't be long for this job.

edit: I wouldn't go directly to management. But maybe if you mention it in casual conversation with people. These things have a habit of getting around the office pretty quick.

[sbj405]

16. Oh I forgot to mention

I work for the government. Hence, her getting in trouble or fired are pretty unlikely. She's been her for 20+ years. Using IM is generally accepted. We actually use it a lot for work (she may be talking to coworkers - doubtful though), but I suspect it won't be long before the IT security folks shut it down.

[bif]

17. Is "Shut the f*#k up!" a little too direct?

n/t

[lazarus]

19. avoid the word "periodically"

Sounds like she does it once a day or so.

Use the word "constantly". Much better.

[Buns_of_Fire]

20. No note. Shoot her.

Management will applaud your simple and direct approach in solving an interpersonal problem, so that they won't have to get involved and perhaps miss their tee time. :evilgrin:

[CO Liberal]

21. You Have to Be Diplomatic

When I worked at Lockheed Martin, there was a very loud woman in the cube across the aisle from mine. A year later, she was promoted to head of the department.