Coworker Relationships 101: A Guide to Navigating the Minefield of Office Politics

Welcome to Coworker Relationships 101, where the art of tolerating your colleagues is our top priority.

Chapter 1: The Hierarchy of Awkwardness

From the CTO who still uses a flip phone to the Intern who thinks they're a "Digital Native," navigating the office social scene can be a real challenge.

Step 1: Avoid eye contact with the CIO, as their stare is said to be able to melt steel.
Step 2: Be friendly with the Intern, but only if you want to be seen as "with it."

CTO Survival Tips | Intern Speak Decoding Key

Chapter 2: The Art of Passive-Aggressive Communication

From the subtle art of ignoring your coworkers' emails to the ancient art of "accidentally" scheduling meetings during their lunch break, we'll cover it all.

Step 1: Use the "I'm busy" excuse for everything, even when you're not.
Step 2: Schedule meetings at the exact moment when your coworkers will need to use the bathroom.

Passive-Aggressive Examples | Scheduling the Perfect Meeting

Chapter 3: The Power of Proximity

Learn how to harness the ancient art of sitting closest to the copier, coffee machine, or water cooler to gain influence, admiration, and occasionally, pity.

Step 1: Sit near the copier, but not too near, or you'll be seen as a "copier hog."
Step 2: Be the first to refill the coffee pot, but only if you're willing to deal with the coffee shop drama.

Copier Positioning | Coffee Pot Drama