What to say to pregnant women around the office

You can never go wrong with "Congratulations!" and "How are you feeling?" (although the latter does get old and hard to answer as it gets closer to the big day). Here is a helpful list of things that pregnant women you work with wouldn't mind hearing from you: 1. You look great. 2. Can I help you carry that? 3. Here's a chair for you. 4. Would you like me to bring you back something for lunch? 5. No really, you look great. 6. Whatever you decide will be the right decision because you made it, and it's what's right for you. 7. Why don't you go take a break, I'll finish up here. 8. I have a ton of cute maternity cothes and baby stuff I won't be using, you're welcome to it. 9. Where are you registered? 10. You're going to be a great mom....

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What not to say to the pregnant women around the office

Now that Miss Minchin has stepped over to the other side of motherhood, she has become much more aware of the awfully insensitive, ignorant, or downright rude things that some people seem to spontaneously utter to women who are expecting. Below are the top things one should never say: 1. Wow, you're huge! Are you sure you don't have twins in there? When tempted to react to the size of your pregnant coworker's belly, try to remember a few things: You are not a medical doctor (unless you actually are, and if so you should really know better). Do not try to assess or question an expecting mother's development. She sees her doctor every four weeks...

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"Good" Gossip.

Instructor, Caroline Bender Scoop. Skinny. Scuttlebutt.The Goss.Inside information is the secret weapon on the intra-office battlefield. Love to get it, love to have it, love to pass it on.But there is also "bad" gossip -- stuff you wish you hadn't heard, and are sorry to know.case study:On a rare sunny afternoon, you actually take your full lunch hour -- outside the office -- and arrange to meet with an old friend you do not work with (anymore), at a small spot blocks from the building, after twelve. Perfect get-away opportunity, right?Until the hostess at this tiny restaurant helpfully seats you right next to 2 co-workers. She says, "You can...

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On the 300th Day... She Resigned

The common rule of business writing -- simple is best -- serves your resignation letter as well. Typically, simple can be difficult to get to behind regret, defeat, and vitriol.As I began to research for this article, I discovered that any "tips for writing resignations" has already been done. So I'll just discuss my own. Feel free to use it; it wasn't submitted.Dear <>,Please consider this notice that I am vacating my position onthe *** staff end of day Friday, February 10, 2006. I am unable to commit to the ****business, and the role that has been defined for me in it. I believe it is in the best interests of the team for you to find...

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Cube Rude

Why do you check your voicemail on speakerphone?- Do you have a physical disability?- Are you breastfeeding?- Are you so multi-tasky that you must email with one hand while mobile phoning with another, and all messages are vital?No, you are just a self-important attention-craving sad case who thinks we want to hear them.You hope with crossed fingers that someone important will call in need of you -- call you by a nickname, ask for your advice.Who do you think that will be?The president? Of the United States?Get over yourself already.~~ Bunny Watson, Student at La...

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