In my company, we are lucky enough to have a pretty relaxed policy on things. We can wear jeans to work most days and we don’t punch a clock or have anyone frowning at us if we’re running a little late. On any random day you can hear swearing over the desks at their computer screens, and our bosses are more like regular coworkers who aren’t above hitting up Happy Hour with the rest of the group. It’s pretty cool and really fun most of the time and it’s especially nice for someone like me because my lack of professionalism can usually squeek by on a sincere apology and a smile if I were ever to mess something up. Which, I do… often. But sometimes these ‘luxuries’ are just plain confusing for me. 

In a relaxed office like ours, the lines can get blurred if you’re not careful. When you combine this type of office with someone who has no professional experience- you get… Catalysta- in a disaster just waiting to happen. I can hope that people know I’m always well intentioned but sometimes even the best intentions can’t make up for the knowledge that only comes with experience.

We recently got our first HR Director and upon my recent stumble, I had my first meeting with her today. It was a case of email tone gone wrong and it happened to be in an email that I had sent to my boss. I thought it would be totally written off with our laid back atmosphere, but alas, I misjudged. Well, my skewed version of HR, mostly coming from Toby on The Office, was completely off kilter (big surprise). She listened to me, asked me questions, gave me some great advice and that was that. She told me that her door is open any time and that if I needed anything, she was there. I think I’m going to really like having her around. Now I have other method of getting the constructive criticism that I need and want to hear, but keeping it from a channel where it might be a little easier to listen. 

All in all, I’ve learned a bit on how to filter and who to filter through. Many people offer help but it’s also about actually listening to what they have to say. I was warned before to not say anything but I didn’t take heed of that advice. I went with my gut instinct instead. Hindsight is 20/20… but in this cause I’m thinking  I should have listened to someone else’s more experienced gut. 

If you’re ever wondering how to clear up those lines- ask around. Ask HR. Ask a trusted coworker. Don’t run to your boss because you could misjudge, as I did, and end up with not so easy of an outcome. Hopefully there are people that would rather watch you succeed than fail. And when they give you advice, and this is the most crucial part… actually listen! You might not end up with your tail between your legs, whimpering at your desk and licking your wounds.

Ever miscalculated your gut and upset someone at work? Ever had a run in with HR? Tell me about it!