Getting into work early can provide uninterrupted, productive time, but also means you're the first person co-workers greet as they arrive. How do you gracefully discourage pleasantries from peers so you can stay in the zone?
How do I politely convey to my colleagues that I don't want to hear "good morning" over and over again? I've tried large headphones but I've honestly had people lean in my face and get my attention to say good morning or wave silently. I could really use some advice on how to address this directly or do you think I'm just a mean old grouch and should get over it?
Sincerely,
Not a good morning person
We definitely don't think you're a grouch! However, it's important at some point acknowledge the people around you. When people enter the workplace and they don't make an effort to acknowledge each other socially, it starts to deteriorate relationships over time so we tend to advise people not to skip it.
It's important to acknowledge your co-workers and say good morning back even if it is an interruption to your work. Don't sit there in silence and ignore people's greeting.
How do I politely convey to my colleagues that I don't want to hear "good morning" over and over again?
The tactic of putting on headphones can really send the message that you're not engaged and you're not interested in the basic social courtesies that matter to people. Even though it becomes monotonous to say "good morning" so many times, acknowledging the existence of the people around you is really important to building good relationships with them.
Try taking the headphones off and know that this first hour of the morning is going to be interrupted work. Then put the headphones back on and use them as a way to zone back into work once you've said your "good mornings."
You could also try a non-verbal greeting. Make eye contact and smile a little when people greet you and you'll convey the same sentiments as a "good morning." So, keep a smile on your face and for that relatively small cost you get all the social rewards and maintain a good relationship with your co-workers.
