EPISODE 16 (50) PLAY BIG - why it pays to avoid being petty at work

Andrew explains in this episode that pettiness flourishes like weeds in most organisations. 

It happens when people become obsessed with unimportant matters or minor details at the expense of working on their priorities.

Few people set out to be petty. Yet this behaviour often thrives in even the most efficient work settings.  Maybe just less than elsewhere.

Want to see the wide range of issues that make pettiness at work? Google The Stomp Out Most Pettiness (STOMP) Checklist or click this link.

Here are the first five items from the STOMP list of petty behaviour you might come across at work: 

• Act immaturely or Act unprofessionally    
•  Complain about noise levels  
•  Complain about smells from food or other sources   
•  Criticize or ridicule someone for being intelligent       
•  Devote obsessive attention to inconsequential matters 

 What do you say in response to pettiness? Try any of these:

"Is this relevant to our current priorities?"
"I hear your concern, but let's stay focused."
 I know this information is essential to you, but I also need it for my work. 

It's not petty, suggests Andrew, to tackle pettiness instead of just ignoring it. Why? Because such behaviour can damage: teamworking, meeting goals, policy, and performance.

Andrew ends the podcast as usual with three simple actions you can take right away.

These include checking your behaviour to make sure that you are not being petty or small-minded and listening carefully to those you think are petty to discover what lies behind their concerns.

All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.

Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.

Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at

www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading

and

www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.

BOOK:
The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.

www.myhappinessatwork.com/book