Comments on: Good morning – in German!

By: 10 short-cuts to create thrilling content that counts | Go-Ahead

10 short-cuts to create thrilling content that counts | Go-Ahead — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:01:24 +0000

[...] comment. That happened to me once when Alexander Kjerulf picked up my comment on one of his posts and wrote a new article mentioning my story. Boy, I was really [...]

By: Prathiba

Prathiba — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:00:07 +0000

Im from India and have worked in my share of the “big IT firms” where people are generally uptight around the boss/TL etc etc. it took me some time… but i found that wishing anyone whom i knew otw to my desk… from the receptionist to the neighbouring team actually helped a lot:) not only am i in a good mood all mng with so many ppl actually wishing back and smiling… they generally seem lot less reserved around me… any doubt or help.. i get it without even asking! ofcrz the touch part doesnt wrk here… but… the eye contact is really imp:) just my 2 cents:)

By: Pete LaVerghetta

Pete LaVerghetta — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:27:39 +0000

I was an instructor when my 2,900 person organization was implementing difficult and painful new software. I was standing behing a woman’s chair, telling her ‘click here, click there.’ I touched her on the shoulder. She fliched, and screamed “Don’t touch me.” Please, no sexual harassment complaints for me. Different strokes.

By: Alexander

Alexander — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:35:10 +0000

Noel: Happiness at work really is about lots of little things – and being celebrated like you were is definitely one. And happy birthday :o)

By: Noel R

Noel R — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:14:24 +0000

I also really enjoyed the original post and Gaby’s comment. It’s amazing what a difference a seemingly small gesture can make, especially if it makes a colleague or co-worker feel like you’re taking an interest in them and their life outside the office. I just started a part-time job about a month ago, and although the company is new and we are still getting to know one another, my co-workers went out of their way to celebrate my birthday when they found out I was turning 30 yesterday. They didn’t do anything crazy; they made me a small ice cream sundae and sang happy birthday, but it made me feel really good about each and every one of them, as well as the workplace in general.

By: Alexander

Alexander — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:10:49 +0000

Gaby: Glad you didn’t mind my reposting your comment. I just had to share it because it fits so well with what we teach!

Tim: That’s a great habit! Also, while smoking is not a healthy habit t does have it’s advantages, ie. you take breaks away from you desk and you get to socialize with the other smokers.

By: Tim

Tim — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:26:12 +0000

I like Gaby´s comment about greeting everyone personally, although it does seem very time consuming. When I worked in regional office in Frankfurt the offices were not open plan but seperated left and right of a long corridor. I made a habit of looking into each office along the way to say good morning and that way I knew who was in that day. I find open plan offices great for communication and knowing what is going on but one has to be disciplined, especially with noise levels. Smokers corners can also be great places for communicating with colleagues. Often non-smokers used to join us outside on the balcony for a chat and a coffee.

By: Gaby

Gaby — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:32:16 +0000

Good Morning Alex, Good Morning everyone,

How are you today?

After waking up tired and unenthusiastic, I did not expect much this morning. Until I opened my e-mails….

Thanks a lot for sharing my comment with your readers. This really means a lot to me and contributed to my happiness.

Have a great weekend everyone,

Gaby (right now in Spain)

By: Alexander

Alexander — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:07:45 +0000

Stefan: I’m not a huge fan of open-plan offices myself and I agree that, ironically, they tend to hinder communication.

I still think you can greet people in an open office, though you may have to tailor it to the environment so you don’t distract everyone else.

By: Stefan

Stefan — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:10:42 +0000

Good morning – in UK
Being a german working occasionally in the UK offices of my company I’m always stunned about the non-existence of greeting. But there’s a reason for this. Because all are working in open space offices everybody is trying to avoid distractions – and saying “Good Morning” or “Good Bye” is one. Whenever somebody comes to work or leaves it’s done without greetings. So the office layout that was thought to ease communication turned into the extreme opposite – and I stand out just because I keep on greeting. Odd.