I just started a good job. I was put in a higher position than I normally work in. The thing is, I've been a stay at home mom for almost 10 years except here and there. I don't know what to say to people. People know I'm divorced because my mom knows one of the girls that works there. People ask me personal questions and I'm too honest. How can I lead the conversation more toward something other than me, my divorce or my kids. I don't know what else to talk about. I'm shy as well. HELP!!
2007-12-17 19:07:01 · 9 answers · asked by Cindy 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Are you insinuating my question is stupid? I think that is a stupid thing to say. It was a genuine question. Why are some people so freakin rude???
2007-12-17 19:12:55 · update #1
Ask questions about your work, try to get a complete understanding of your office, your position and your coworkers position. Observe things for a while. Good luck!!
2007-12-17 19:15:45 · answer #1 · answered by grace 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is a problem for me as well. There are some topics I avoid talking about as well at work because it entails a long explaination that I don't want to give. But what do you do to be sociable and personable with your co workers? Find neutral topics that interest you and can expand on. Favorite books, Tv Shows, The Soaps, that new movie you saw. If those topics you don't want to talk about come up either give short on detailed answers or politely tell them it's a sensitive, sore subject with you and would rather not discuss it. Most people will respect you wishes and steer the conversation toward something else.
2007-12-18 03:52:20 · answer #2 · answered by kimberleyelizabeth 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is perfectly allowed to tell people in a polite manner that you do not discuss your personal life at work which is none of their business in the first place. Why people feel the need to pry into other person's lives is beyond my understanding. Anyway, just say something like, "Let's not talk about that now", or divert the conversation to something that's related to work. After all, that's what everyone's there for.
2007-12-18 03:25:00 · answer #3 · answered by Richard B 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You dress in a professional and appropriate manner. You treat everyone with respect and teach them what limits of their behavior you will tolerate. When conversations begin to get too personal, smile sweetly and say "Thank you for your interest, but I'd rather not discuss personal business here at work. I hope you understand." If they don't get it, that is their problem. Wish them a good day, and go do what you were hired to do. Good luck in your new job!
2007-12-18 08:55:12 · answer #4 · answered by Lady G 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
JUST IGNORE rude comments. I don't think your question is stupid at all. You can talk about things you are familiar with. If you like to cook talk about a new recipe, follow the news and talk about current events or interesting story you heard/read, favorite vacation place is also a good topic, maybe you can ask a question or two. Also with the holidays coming up you can talk about shopping, what's in style etc.
Good Luck
2007-12-18 03:19:45 · answer #5 · answered by Sarah 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hello. First of all I am not a professional to tell you a prestigeous advice, but as I've observed being a private employee in our country (Philippines), well you should be proud of yourself always, be professional in any sense, stand erect as a fashion star model, be sure you're more beautiful or attractive than when you're not yet divorced, you should be friendly not conceited to anyone, in your attire you should be good looking, formal, simple, neat, always in line trend of fashion, and relax, it seems you're not bearing any problem, so what who are they? You can live without them. Regarding conversation topic, don't talk too much regarding your past divorced, divert the topic to your children, etc..
Regards.
jul6412
nhfreo@yahoo.com
2007-12-20 02:57:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you exactly mean?
1. Are you an actress? That you want to be a professional actress?
2. Or, you want to be a "Professional" in whatever it is that you do?
Honestly, you have given a "vague" question, not readily understandable. Probably, you mean, you want to be a professional. Not to act professionally.
Being a pro means knowing what you do. Being confident that you know everything about your work. Just truly "knowing all" about your job will give you that 'professionalism' you are asking for. You cannot just "act out" professionalism.
2007-12-18 03:23:46 · answer #7 · answered by MoreOfMe 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
To divert their questions just tell them you don't really discuss your personal life, and quickly change the topic to something more work oriented...And if you dress professionally and act professionally, they tend to treat you more professionally, and not like just another employee....good luck on the new job!!...
2007-12-19 06:34:23 · answer #8 · answered by Lynn (AzCrazyGirl) 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start by not asking stupid questions on yahoo answers. Be yourself that is truely everything and anything a person wants to hear, the truth.
2007-12-18 03:11:29 · answer #9 · answered by h Burke 2 · 0⤊ 6⤋