Work Etiquette

It's a given that today in the work place we all work with people of the opposite gender. It's not a given that everybody knows how to handle working with the opposite gender.

So here's my theory:

There are rules that should be followed no matter who you come in contact with at work. For instance, one should always try to be professional: have a clean appearance, wear nice clothes that are in dress code, try to stay out of people's personal space, keep your personal calls to a minimum and at a minimum volume, keep yourself at a minimum volume, and the list goes on.

In addition to these common sense etiquette rules, there are further limitations when dealing with the opposite gender at work. There are actions to take and not to take in consideration of your integrity, your spouse, your friends, who and what you represent, and most importantly, your witness: don't be alone (including one-on-one lunches), be careful what you talk about, don't indulge in private conversations that are not work related, be proud of your marriage and let others know it, etc.

These cautions are learned behaviors. They're something I've taken for granted. I thought they were common knowledge and have been amazed time and time again by the behavior seen at work. And no, I'm not perfect but I am aware and I try.

Guard your heart against the little things. It's those things that Satan can use against you.