10 annoying workplace communication behaviors to avoid

This article originally appeared on PR Daily in May of 2018.

Few people admit to bad communication habits—much less conduct that can cost you a job or a contract or ding your reputation.

Yet we see irritating behaviors in the workplace just about every day. Here are 10 that can alienate colleagues, undermine your influence and ruin relationships:

1. Interruptions and/or changing the subject

Interrupters think nothing of inserting themselves into a conversation and promptly derailing it. Do it once, and people will probably forgive you. Do it repeatedly, and people will start viewing you as downright disrespectful.

Stop this annoying habit immediately.

2. Story topping

After someone tells a story—about horrible customer service, what their bright child accomplished, how hectic their workload has been, how well their team has performed on a key project, etc.—resist the urge to top it with your own story. You’ve just shoved them out of the spotlight to take your own bow.

3. Name dropping

Do you know someone who’s constantly referencing a famous colleague, friend or client they have? It’s annoying, right?

Name dropping is meant to toot one’s own horn, but it communicates a lack of confidence and credibility.