I've just come across a site called The Work Nickname Generator, where you type in your first and last name and it supposedly tells you what your co-workers call you behind your back. If this is the case then apparently my colleagues refer to me as 'The Fist'?!
Gimmicks aside, it got me thinking about nickname etiquette in the office. Is it acceptable to shorten people's names, or make up nicknames for your colleagues? How does this affect office morale and do nicknames have a place in business culture?
Following work introductions it's not uncommon for people to immediately cut through the formalities and start calling me Nat or Nats, which doesn't bother me, but for others, it can, and names are precious to them.
I once overheard someone speaking to a new acquaintance and assumed that it was acceptable to call them Phil even though that person had introduced himself as Philip.
I've always worked in creative cultures where nicknames are rife and I've been called anything from Coops to Princess Xena. But where do you draw the line?
Steve Miller:
Nicknames are part and parcel of business life. However, common sense must be used when addressing colleagues at work. If someone is introduced as Steven then one must assume that is what they want to be called, unless otherwise stated. If you want to shorten it to Steve or Ste, then have the decency to ask if it is OK to call them that.
Now when it comes to calling someone something that isn't related to their name, such as shorty, queeny or Cinderella, then I wouldn't tolerate any of that unless the person being called the name has asked their colleagues to do so.
Why? Am I being dull? Erm, I don’t think so. We have to realise that people's emotions drive their behaviours and in turn the behaviours determine business results. So apply common sense. You might want to call someone turkey neck or princess but I would advise to think first or face negative consequences later.
Comments (8)
Posted by Kellie | July 11, 2007 2:50 PM
I think you just have to use your common sense, and be respectful of others. And I think I need to have a word with my colleagues. According to the Nickname Generator, my nickname is "One more and I'm going home". Very apt, if not a little offensive...
Posted on July 11, 2007 14:50
Posted by Adam | July 12, 2007 11:56 AM
And I'm "Sugar".
Which is kinda sweet...
Posted on July 12, 2007 11:56
Posted by maria | July 12, 2007 7:32 PM
At a previous job somebody (who happened to be white) thought it OK to call his colleagues "digger" which caused offense especially to those of a different ethnic background (too close to n*****). Frankly we live in an age of difference and a nickname that seems cute to me may be offensive to somebody else....
Posted on July 12, 2007 19:32
Posted by Steve Miller | July 15, 2007 10:18 AM
Again Maria I think it is about using your common sense. I think you have a valid point in that cute can be offensive. That said as you know I cannot bear political correctness.
Posted on July 15, 2007 10:18
Posted by sita | July 15, 2007 9:02 PM
Mine's quite simply "Doughnut Eating Dork"...which I dont suppose is too far from the truth. I think nick names are fine if you're careful. Of course, if someone tells you they dont like their nick name or they find it offensive, stop saying it immediately. However, I think nick names can be a sign of comfort, closeness to the team and friendliness. So, please keep using them, however, be careful that nicknames are not derogatory or percieved to be discrimination or detriment. I agree to some extent about using your common sense, however, remember the perception of the victim rule! Your common sense might have you thinking the new name you've all just given the new guy from accounts is perfectly acceptable and inoffensive. If he thinks otherwise, you've 'ad it! :OD
Posted on July 15, 2007 21:02
Posted by berta | November 13, 2007 4:32 PM
I think it is not avery work ethic when another co-worker changes there name on a board were all other employee's names are and address themselves as queen purple. It as if she is telling the other employees that she is in charge or is something greater and she is just like the rest of the employee's
Posted on November 13, 2007 16:32
Posted by Natalie Kelleher | April 18, 2008 6:54 PM
i need a nickname for my name. i dont want nat or nattie i want something amazing!!! my name is natalie and over the years my name has been changed. please could you send me some ideas!!!please!!!!
Posted on April 18, 2008 18:54
Posted by Anonymous | April 19, 2008 1:41 AM
there are many big issues in life worth discussing... wether its politically correct for someone to call you "treacle" isnt one of them
Posted on April 19, 2008 01:41