Comedian Sarah Cooper shares insights on office etiquette, including email writing, meeting etiquette, and the importance of listening at work. The podcast explores workplace etiquette, digital communication challenges, and rethinking traditional meetings. It also discusses navigating dress codes and taking chances in the office.
Building positive relationships and creating a comfortable work environment are crucial aspects of office etiquette, which can be achieved by being yourself, listening carefully, and finding the right balance between professionalism and authenticity.
Navigating the office culture effectively requires observing and imitating the behavior of supervisors, respecting colleagues, and learning the specific etiquette rules of each office while also adapting to the evolving workplace norms of comfort and individuality.
Deep dives
Navigating Unwritten Rules in a New Job
In this podcast episode, Elaine Imata interviews comedian Sarah Cooper about navigating the unwritten rules of office etiquette in a new job. Sarah shares her experiences and insights on how to behave in meetings, write professional emails, and dress appropriately for work. Through humorous anecdotes and personal stories, she emphasizes the importance of building positive relationships and creating a comfortable work environment. Sarah's advice includes being yourself, listening carefully, and finding the right balance between professionalism and authenticity.
The Importance of Workplace Etiquette
Sarah Cooper discusses why workplace etiquette is essential for success. She explains that being well-liked and getting along with colleagues is a significant factor in career advancement. Sarah highlights the significance of soft skills and the ability to create positive working relationships. She encourages people to be respectful, nice to each other, and learn the specific etiquette rules of each office. Sarah also recommends observing the behavior of supervisors and imitating their actions to navigate the office culture effectively.
Adapting to Changing Etiquette Norms
Sarah Cooper recognizes that workplace etiquette norms have evolved over time, moving away from rigid formalities. She explains that tech companies like Google have transformed the workplace standard by emphasizing comfort and individuality. However, Sarah advises being mindful of the particular etiquette rules in different industries and adjusting accordingly. She shares her experiences in design, where the portfolio holds great significance, and offers insights on creating a balance between being prepared and being flexible. Sarah also addresses the shift towards digital communication, emphasizing the importance of one-on-one conversations and smaller group interactions.
New Here is HBR’s new podcast for young professionals who want to build a meaningful career on their own terms. Host Elainy Mata explores the ups and downs of an early career, with help from career experts and friends. In this episode, Elainy and comedian Sarah Cooper break down the unwritten rules around to how to behave in a new job—otherwise known as office etiquette.
You may know Sarah for her viral lip-syncing TikToks during the pandemic. But before that, she worked as a designer at big tech companies. She explains how she learned the invisible rules of work early in her career, why they matter, and which rules she thinks you can bend. They discuss the etiquette of email writing, how to handle yourself in meetings, and why listening is so important at work.
Subscribe to New Here on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
For a full lineup of shows, search “HBR” on your favorite podcast app or visit hbr.org/podcasts.
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