the-office-screenshot.jpg

The new season of ‘The Office’ started last week on NBC. It’s downright hilarious and uncomfortable as you could possibly make a show about relationships in an office. It’s also a veritable fountain of how not to do things at work. So in honor of the first episode, here’s some simple principles to take away from the show.

Try not to look at the camera guy when you’re driving
I know it happens a lot these days. You’ll be driving down the road while you’re being filmed. It’s just not safe. Keep your eyes on the road so you don’t accidentally hit a possibly rabid alcoholic. Apply it to your office and you may want to watch going around those corners in the hall.

Avoid blaming stuff on others
I think people work harder trying to get out of work or blaming someone else than if they had just done it themselves. I prefer to point and laugh and then cry… Actually, just saying, “oh yeah, that was me.” kind of nonchalant does the trick… sometimes.

Don’t change in your office
Or your cubicle. Riding in on a bike and hanging your clothes on a cubicle wall is a big no-no too. That’s just smelly and really not cool. The second you think someone is not looking is when your getting caught on your pant leg and falling against the corner of the filing cabinet.

Drink more water
Not drinking water because you’re raising awareness for rabies victims is one thing, but staying hydrated with something other than black syrup or artificial cream can do you body good. And if you have to run screaming out of your office you won’t get dehydrated quite as fast.

Make sure you hang up the phone
Better yet, don’t get in the habit of sighing or saying, “man that guy is annoying.” when you hang up the phone. This might be one of the most embarrassing things, especially when you’re watching it happen. Although it can help you hone your skill in thinking of witty comebacks to save your career.

Whatever you’re job is, if you’re not doing the things on this show, you’ll probably be alright. Go check out the latest episode and have a good laugh.

Author

Josh is founder and editor at SolidSmack.com, founder at Aimsift Inc., and co-founder of EvD Media. He is involved in engineering, design, visualization, the technology making it happen, and the content developed around it. He is a SolidWorks Certified Professional and excels at falling awkwardly.