Ten Commandments of a

Co-Worker
By Prof. Jet Castillo
Let’s play the “Calamansi Relay,
with Helper” game
 Lesson we can get from the
game
 In each workplace, there is a co-worker
who would be very helpful to others.
 S/he would pick up what fell down, to keep
the system going.
 That person is a “shining light” in the
workplace.
 Aspire to be that kind of a co-worker in
your workplace.
 Introduction
 Last week, we talked about the VERTICAL
relationship in the workplace- how you
deal with your higher-ups.
 Today, we will talk about the
HORIZONTAL relationships in the
workplace- your dealings with people of
the same or almost the same rank as
yours.
Here are 10 Tips…
 1. Be friendly to everyone
 Always wear a smile.
 Make friends.
 Greet your co-workers cheerfully.
 Socialize and don’t be a loner or a nerd.
 If you are a veteran, reach out to the new
recruits.
 Share what you have
 2. Respect one another
 Address your co-workers with the proper
titles like “doctor”, “attorney”, “dean”, etc.
 Do not call them by their first names
unless they ask you to.
 Use “sir” or “ma’am” in addressing those
with low positions (like janitors and
security guards). It will create an
impression that you are not looking down
at them.
3. Be a channel of encouragement
 Congratulate your co-workers who have
done a good job, affirm them, tap them on
the shoulder, shake their hand, make them
feel good about themselves.
 Cheer up those who are discouraged, tired
and weary. Tell them it’s not yet the end of
the world. Give them a message of hope.
 Do not be grouchy
 4. Avoid gossiping
 Do not gossip with your co-workers about
your boss, fellow employees, or other
people. Gossiping is a time-stealer. You
will lose productive minutes when you
gossip.
 Gossip also makes enemies.
 Eradicate the culture of gossiping in your
office by rebuking tactfully those who
engage in it.
 5. Avoid doing “non work-related”
business in your office
 Do not transact non work-related business
with your co-worker during office hours.
Do it after work and out of the office.
 Some people spend more time doing
personal business than office work.
 Avoid borrowing money from one another.
Oftentimes, it leads to quarrels and
strained relationships.
 6. Avoid improper relationships
 Do not fall in love with the wrong persons.
 Avoid courtship and dating during office
hours.
 If ever you are in a legal relationship with a
co-worker, avoid public display of affection
(PDA).
7. Respect the things/possessions
of others
 Do not get their things without permission.
 When you borrow something, return it on
time and in good condition.
 Do not peep into secret or confidential files
without permission.
 Observe intellectual property rights
8. Observe silence and cleanliness
 Do not be noisy when you work. Think of
others who may need to concentrate as
they do their work.
 Do not disturb your officemates by roving
around too much and nosing into their
work.
 Keep your surroundings clean and tidy so
your neighbors will not get irritated with
eye-sores in the office.
 9. Stand up for the truth
 If a co-worker does something wrong,
correct him/her tactfully.
 The Book of Proverbs say: “Wounds from
a friend can be trusted, but an enemy
multiply kisses.”
 Do not cover-up his/her wrong-doings.
Things will just get complicated if you do
this.
 10. Leave a legacy
 When you’re gone (retired, changed jobs,
or dead), what will your co-workers
remember about you? What are the things
that they will say about you? Will these be
positive or negative?
 Strive to be remembered as a great
colleague, a true friend, and a shining light
in your workplace.
 Homework
 Listen to an episode of the “PRO TIPS”
radio program on DZAS 702 khz on the
AM band, every 7:00 to 7:05 AM, Mondays
to Fridays.
 The program is hosted by Maloi Malibiran-
Salumbides.
 Homework
 Write a summary of the episode for that
day.
 Write a detailed reflection paper on her
talk.
 Take a picture of your radio monitor
showing the time, and the station number,
as evidence that you really listened to an
episode of PRO TIPS. Paste picture on
the worksheet.
OR….
 Homework
 Read an episode of the “PRO TIPS” radio
program on facebook.
 Search for Pro Tips FB page by Maloi
Malibiran-Salumbides.
 Homework
 Write a summary of the episode for that
day.
 Write a detailed reflection paper on the her
talk.
 Take a screen shot of the FB page and
episode that you are reflecting on, as
evidence that you really visited the PRO
TIPS FB page. Paste picture on the
worksheet.