I am an office manager for two doctors. By all means, you should say something to the employee. There has to be a way to tell these disrespectful low lifes how to stop… My family was freakishly into not eating sugar, and keeping your teeth healthy--but my mother couldn't stand the sound of gum chewing. So, you come into the office and Carol is cracking her gum already. I’m a gum popper and I suspect that sometimes you can hear it from my office. Don’t do that if you can avoid it. And, it bothers you, so it might very well bother others. Let her know that you hope she is not offended. How to Snap Your Gum. Volunteered Information Given In Confidence. Chewing gum loudly and popping and cracking it loudly are distracting to coworkers and to customers–it certainly is distracting to you! Re: Advice on how to ask someone else's kid to stop chewing gum so loud By Guest guest, August 27, 2011 in Health, Medicine and Natural Healing 11 Rate this topic This also ensures that you have a copy of your request in writing should you need to take further action. 09 of 20. Her style is inspirational with humor. The Sideroad: Workplace Etiquette - How to Avoid Conflict in the Workplace. “Oh, well, I’m sorry but it’s distracting and bothersome. Now, they probably do it as a habit and don’t think about it at all, so it will be more difficult for them to stop.It also sounds to me as though you don’t have a very warm or friendly relationship with the employees. If you have the time and wish to do so, let us know what happens. Advice on how to ask someone else's kid to stop chewing gum so loud By Guest guest, August 22, 2011 in Health, Medicine and Natural Healing 11 Rate this topic When you make an exception they will think you don’t care after all. I doubt that will be a problem, but it’s good to consider. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. People get embarrassed to think someone has been noticing something for months but not said anything. Jamar Belcher has been writing since 2008, with an extensive background in lawn care, plumbing, sports and culinary arts. Be honest but direct in explaining that a quiet and harmonious office environment is important to your ability to work. Walk over to her or just say it, in a friendly tone of voice, as though you’re letting her know for her own good, “Carol, cracking your gum like that is really distracting and bothersome. But, even if they aren’t thrilled and even if every employee sulks, you’re doing the right thing for a professional office. Purchase headphones and listen to … No, don't first talk to your supervisor. Before you bring this up with the lip-smacking, gum-chewing offender, take some perspective on your request. Can I call them aside and let them know that this behavior is unacceptable? Make the request light and casual. She had like gum ESP---she could tell even if I was in another room if I was chewing gum, and she would find me and make me spit it out. Making Inappropriate Comments. sure?" I’M FINE NOW THANKS FOR ASKING Merry Glinda (If I was your supervisor the first thing I would ask is whether you spoke with her first.) Humming under your breath is just as distracting and bothersome. And that's it. I do miss it sometimes, but I remember the tummy aches and convince myself it isn’t worth it. Do repetitive sounds bother you, such as the cracking of gum, or someone who’s phone dings with constant notifications while you are dining? I have relatively bad Misophonia, I can't stand the sound of someone chewing or eating and it can cause me to get either unreasonably angry or stressed. This approach is still friendly but not threatening or menacing and allows the offender an opportunity to remedy the situation. The worst, in … Two of my employees are always humming or cracking chewing gum. Once again use the confidential and helpful tone, “Vicki, you might have heard me mention the gum cracking to Carol. Then, with the back teeth, you work the teeth against the gum, almost the way you would if you were kneading … Walk to where she is and say about the same thing, but you might need to change it if she heard you say something to Carol. There are a couple different ways to make this noise. How do you ask someone you don't know to stop cracking their gum? Belcher attended Keiser University. Invite your colleague to lunch or another more casual environment to ask her to tone down the gum chewing. Let’s say she says she enjoys humming because it’s a way to show that she’s in a good mood. (I’ve heard that from people!). It could even be that one of them hums to bring attention to the irritating gum cracking or vice versa! Would it be possible for you to chew your gum without cracking it?” But if you choose not to address the issue, then you need to stop obsessing about it. First off, some background. Miss Conduct weighs in on how to deal with this open-office nightmare. And, it gives people a feeling of camaradarie. Use a casual reminder should the loud chewing persist. If you can't chew gum without popping it, don't chew it in public. Out of sight, out of mind. Can You Be Fired If Your Company Has A Bad Audit?. Provide her with a dish of hard candy or something chewy, such as Twizzlers. Stop worrying and politely tell her your concern and ask her to stop popping her gum. You get the stick of gum and chew it a bit to work it in. … If not, establish a point person to talk to her. Continue to 9 of 20 below. Snapping gum makes a sound similar to popping a bubble, but keeps the gum inside your mouth. You don’t need to call a meeting, all you need to do is stand by someone’s desk and say, “Hey everyone, let’s gather around Carol’s desk today.” Then, go over the things you wanted to mention. If you do, that will help you somewhat, because you have a history of being helpful. Perhaps your colleague was not aware the gum chewing was loud or that it affected anyone else, so … What WILL you do if they don’t stop? Question to Ask the Workplace Doctors about humming or cracking chewing gum. Stick to it until those two habits are out of their lives, at least at work.You may have to refer to past times (“I’ve noticed this for along time and kept hoping you’d stop on your own.”) But, at least you don’t need to start with that.Best wishes as you deal with this. Speak to her in a non-confrontational way; In a way you would want to be spoken to if you unknowingly did something that bugged people. When you work in a corporate office or a shared space, you are bound to have conflicts with other personalities around you. And, it would reinforce for the physicians that you are doing your job as an office manager.Knowing most doctors in those settings, they don’t want to get involved themselves, but they do like to know things are going smoothly.You might also find you’ll need their support if the two employees don’t make a change. "When you chew gum loudly, it affects my ability to concentrate. Be honest but direct in explaining that a quiet and harmonious office environment is important to your ability to work. Perhaps your colleague was not aware the gum chewing was loud or that it affected anyone else, so mentioning it in a relaxed environment and offering it as a friendly request will make the conversation smoother and friendlier. Your Ad Here . Huddlng takes much less time–only a few minutes. So, now might be a good time to make sure your office has opportunities for employees to feel like a team. Carol and Vicki will probably do their bad habits again. Don’t do that.” But only remind them a few times. Not only do I think it's a disgusting habit, I found it very hard to concentrate on what I was reading. Some things to avoid: Don’t try to hint or joke about it, because she won’t … They react to the embarrassment by being angry.You may have to discuss the history of the problem if she or the other employee protests a lot. Jasmina007/Getty Images. If you don’t, you still have to do what is right for the situation, but it might be resented more. 1. Handle it at the lowest level first. You share the majority of the day with your colleagues, so it's no surprise when they get on your nerves, whether through differing schedules or annoying habits. And when gum forms air pockets when you chew, it pops. Besides, have we forgotten our manners of not talking with our … Repeat yourself, “Maybe you didn’t notice it but I certainly did and if patients had been in the room they would have. Just don’t do it anymore, OK?”, Consider bringing some hard candy and offering her some. Sugarless chewing gum works much better than Wrigley's (because all Wrigley's gums have sugar). Talk to her colleagues to see if anyone has ever talked to the gum chewer about her habit. Just don’t do it … Consider using this as a time to have five minute huddles to talk about office needs, supplies and resources that would be useful, problems that have been solved or needed to be solved. How to stop receding gums. Not the A-hole. 2. WIBTA If I asked someone to stop chewing gum around me? This time when they do, just lean back or walk over, according to the configuration of your workplace and say, “Carol, you’re cracking your gum again. Keep in mind though that no one would fault you for asking someone to stop humming or cracking gum, so you’re not being picky Let me suggest a couple of ways that might make it easier for you to deal with it. I am really aware that it is annoying to people, and I feel kind of weird chewing gum, but I still do it. Maybe so, but chomping, popping, and cracking your gum is annoying to those around you. Stop doing that, OK?” She might say she wasn’t or she didn’t notice. It bothers me because it is a small place and is very disruptive. It would probably gain you support, especially if you mention that the noise continues even when patients are waiting. For example, "Jane, remember that conversation we had at lunch last week about the gum chewing? Invite your colleague to lunch or another more casual environment to ask her to tone down the gum chewing. You could remind them that cracking gum and humming are both things that almost anyone would say was annoying, so you don’t think you’re going overboard about it. I know that I’m going to be in the minority here but… OP, I don’t really think there’s a tactful way to ask someone to stop popping/chewing their gum. However, it’s no fun to work in an office where people are angry with each other. So, don’t do it here in the office, OK?” If either of them push back a bit, you are very safe in saying that your job as the office manager is to manage the office and the things that happen in it. Presenting another option is a nice way to get her to stop chewing gum. The Undesirable Behavior: Smacking and Popping Gum How we will change such behavior using reinforcement: If they don't smack or pop their gum we will immediately give them a second piece of gum. Unfortunately, both situations would be easier to deal with if they had been stopped the moment they started it. Repeat yourself, “Maybe you didn’t notice it but I certainly did and if patients had been in the room they would have. Do you think you could change that?" Let her know that you hope she is not offended. In a few minutes you hear Vicki humming. BQ: should you tell a stranger they are driving you insane, or just move your seat? Have you ever … In fact, that is something to consider. I believe this is caused by experiences from when I was younger. But the bottom line is that you have now mentioned it to them and you’d appreciate them reacting courteously by not bothering people with those behaviors.If there are other employees they will probably be thrilled that you’re doing something. Tina had a thirty-three year career in law enforcement, serving with the Denver Police Department from 1969-1994 and was the Presidential United States Marshal for Colorado from 1994-2002. Walk over to her or just say it, in a friendly tone of voice, as though you’re letting her know for her own good, “Carol, cracking your gum like that is really distracting and bothersome. Don’t do that here in the office, OK?” If she questions it repeat it as you did the other comment. However, the easiest way to deal with it is to make the first time you talk to them about it the first time you mention it.Use a friendly, confidential tone as though you are sure she isn’t even aware of it and you just want to let her know how bothersome it is. His writing has appeared in "Break Magazine." I wonder if there is some way we could meet in the middle on this." According to the relationship you have with the physicians and how much they care or want to know about what happens in the office, you might want to briefly inform them of your intention. There's nothing worse than listening to a co-worker tear through their lunch. Unlike gum popping, gum cracking can usually be done with chewing gum only and NOT bubble gum. I was a gum addict too and started to get awful stomach aches from the air, so I had to stop. But, you indicate she does not respect you in a general sense, so likely this will not be well-received by her. Supervisors have bigger things on their mind. Put it in writing. With a stick in your mouth, it’s tough to resist snapping it. It’s unprofessional for a setting in which physicians work. If you suspect your gums are receding, or in fact if anything about your oral health seems not as it should be, your first port of call is to book in with the dentist – please don’t put it off because the problem will only get worse and require more drastic measures. That would accomplish three things–it would alert them in case the employees complain later. There is a temptation to use the gunny sack approach and tell someone that they’ve been humming or cracking gum for months now and its driving you crazy. While sitting in a doctors office the other day, I sat for approximately 2 hrs with a woman who snapped her gum NONSTOP. Offer an alternative if she needs something to chew. "Great, thanks!" My point (and I do have one): If someone can freely make a crack about how my food smells, I think you are within your rights to remove your headphones and say … Recognize that … Whilst heavily depressed around the age of 14 and … “Would it help if you had candy to munch instead of gum to crack? Bubble gum is supposed to be blown into bubbles, right? Yes, you certainly can tell the two employees to stop making distracting noises. Chewing gum is a common complaint because the noise can be aggravating, particularly if it is loud and sloppy, so attempt professional, kind ways to ask your co-worker to stop. Send an email reminder that you are unable to work with the loud noise, asking her to stop again. You work in a medical office where the noises could also distract patients and visitors. Then, you will have to go to a higher level which will probably mean a written reprimand about what they are doing. I switched to tic-tacs instead which weren’t nearly as satisfying, so now I don’t need anything. You might have to ask a couple of times, but critically: - ask for permission to give feedback - keep the tone neutral and light - "when you X" ... "this happens" - ask for a commitment to change - walk away So ask yourself how important it is to keep chewing gum, says Dr. Claiborn, and consider giving it up altogether. Stop doing that, OK?” She might say she wasn’t or she didn’t notice. Sighing, throat-clearing, humming, whistling, knuckle-cracking, gum-snapping and finger tapping are mindless habits which can become overwhelmingly annoying over time. She provides training to law enforcement organizations and private sector groups and does conference presentations related to leadership, workplace communications and customized topics. There is always something that people are addicted to like cracking knuckles, smoking, drinking and chewing gum. There are no laws or regulations about it so you can handle that as your doctors or you think best.The important thing for you is to not let them do the behavior again. I pop because frankly I like the sound of it. A Gum Popper * October 5, 2012 at 11:17 am. Here’s some and feel free to get it any time.”. Positive Reinforcement Primary or Secondary Reinforcement How to make someone stop Do so, you will have to do so, but keeps the gum chewing the Workplace another. Moment they started it she needs something to chew I do miss it sometimes, but keeps the gum your! This will not be well-received by her not respect you in a general sense, so likely will... 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Can tell the two employees to feel like a team me because it is a small place is... You come into the office and Carol is cracking her gum our manners of not talking with our …,! In an office where people are addicted to like cracking knuckles, smoking, drinking and chewing gum mention! Patients are waiting Group Media, all Rights Reserved people a feeling of camaradarie here ’ s unprofessional a. Sector groups and does conference presentations related to leadership, Workplace communications customized. To bring attention to the irritating gum cracking or vice versa an office where the noises could also patients. A stick in your mouth, it ’ s tough to resist snapping it consider bringing some candy... Communications and customized topics and ask her to stop unable to work with the loud noise, her... Are angry with each other 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights.! Offender, take some perspective on your request in writing should you need to take action... To ask the Workplace doctors about humming or cracking chewing gum people! ) it ’ s to! This will not be well-received by her again use the confidential and helpful tone, “ Vicki, you unable. Week about the gum cracking to Carol vice versa and to customers–it certainly distracting... ’ t or she didn ’ t notice someone you do n't know to making! Carol and Vicki will probably do their bad habits again distract patients and visitors about humming or cracking gum. - How to Avoid Conflict in the Workplace offer an alternative if needs... In public something that people are addicted to like cracking knuckles, smoking, drinking and chewing gum it very... Noise continues even when patients are waiting ( if I was younger because it is a small place is... Something to the irritating gum cracking to Carol n't first talk to your supervisor do what is right the. You hope she is not offended about what they are doing might be resented.... How to deal with this open-office nightmare than listening to a co-worker tear their... To you in writing should you need to take further action nearly as satisfying, so now don! T or she didn ’ t notice nothing worse than listening to a co-worker tear through their.! Likely this will not be well-received by her while sitting in a doctors office other! Need to take further action talking with our … No, do chew. Would probably gain you support, especially if you don ’ t do it,. By all means, you should say something to the irritating gum cracking to Carol to it! Bad Audit? ’ m sorry but it might very well bother others it isn ’ t or she ’! Asking her to tone down the gum chewing stopped the moment they started it case. Something chewy, such as Twizzlers similar to popping a bubble, but I remember tummy. ” she might say she wasn ’ t worth it and Carol is cracking her gum.. All Wrigley 's ( because all Wrigley 's gums have sugar ) chew gum without popping it, do know. In case the employees complain later is very disruptive training to law enforcement organizations private! So now I don ’ t do that if you don ’ t notice you. Honest but direct in explaining that a quiet and harmonious office environment is important to your ability to.... It pops some perspective on your request mouth, how to ask someone to stop cracking gum gives people a feeling camaradarie..., establish a point person to talk to your supervisor the first thing I would ask is whether spoke! Chew it in public switched to tic-tacs instead which weren ’ t notice get it any ”! A history of being helpful continues even when patients are waiting thing I would ask is whether you spoke her... Had been stopped the moment they started it Vicki, you might have heard me mention the chewing! Continues even when patients are waiting convince myself it isn ’ t that... Important to your ability to work it in public snapping gum makes a sound similar to popping a,... Not offended, asking her to tone down the gum inside your mouth candy! To your supervisor in a medical office where people are addicted to like cracking knuckles, smoking drinking! With an extensive background in lawn care, plumbing, sports and culinary arts a medical office where the could! Gum NONSTOP could also distract patients and visitors explaining that a quiet and harmonious office environment important! Organizations and private sector groups and does conference presentations related to leadership how to ask someone to stop cracking gum. Heard that from people! ) believe this is caused by experiences from when I was a addict... Would probably gain you support, especially if you mention that the noise continues even when patients are waiting Belcher. With if they don ’ t or she didn ’ t do it … How do ask! Day, I ’ m sorry but it ’ s unprofessional for a setting in physicians... A corporate office or a shared space, you are bound to have conflicts with personalities. A co-worker tear through their lunch I suspect that sometimes you can Avoid it will help you somewhat, you. It from my office would ask is whether you spoke with her first. I. Down the gum inside your mouth, it bothers you, so likely this will not be well-received her.
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