There's been a lot of articles and papers about the effects of working and mental health. Sometimes it's not as serious as that. Sometimes it's the little things that people do that bring other people down.
I'm a self-confessed misanthropist. Nothing makes me hate people more than the news. And public transport. And children in classy restaurants. And watered down alcohol. And reality TV... You get the jist.
Colleagues have branded me "cutting" and my Twitter has smatterings of wrath at 4x4 drivers and self-obsessed celebrities. This isn't down to the black dog, but the individualist world we live in.
It might be funny for friends, family and colleagues to watch me being possessed by Malcolm Tucker, Basil Fawlty and Victor Meldrew, but if humans were more mindful of each other, we might not start each day with blood pressure that's through the roof.
So, when you're a work, make sure:
You clean up after yourself - I've lost count of the number of signs I've seen about "mothers not work here" and "please don't do". It's all common sense. Put your cup in the dishwasher, flush after you've used the facilities, clear away rubbish and report it if the toilet roll has run out.
Meetings - people need a break, so don't book lunchtime meetings or at the very end of the day. Turn up on time and be engaged. Don't organise meetings for the sake of it and feel free to decline meetings you don't think are relevant to you.
Deliver on your deadlines - people will give unrealistic deadlines or keep piling on the work, but be transparent and communicate with people. If you can't make it, say so and offer an alternative.
Offer solutions, not just problems - it's not enough to simply say you like something, give a solution of what should be happening instead.
Positivity - we all have to endure excruciating team building days or social events. No one enjoys it. More often than not, you don't get anything out of it. We're all in the same boat and we have to do it, so at least pretend. Or do what I do, descend into ridiculousness - it's much more fun and the only time you can get away with it.
Consider your environment - don't eat egg sandwiches at your desk or have loud phone calls. Don't sprawl your stuff all over the floor or someone else's desk. Be mindful someone's personal space and privacy. And, in the current #MeToo climate, don't be tactile unless you have that rapport.
Ask for help - there's nothing worse than working with someone who thinks they know it all or is too proud to ask for help. Especially the higher up the ladder you go. And if you make a mistake, admit it and say why it happened. People are more forgiving than you think.
Your journey - if you're on public transport, consider how much room you're taking up with your backpack and golf umbrella. If you're driving, park your car within the white lines!
All these little things that illustrate you're thinking outwardly and not just blindly naval-gazing through the world, will take the focus off you and make other people's (and your) day a little nicer.
