How to Handle Body Odor (Part 2 of 2)
June 11th, 2007Today, we complete our discussion on Body Odor.
One of our more controversial topics, to be sure … but folks, we don’t make this stuff up! The issue arises in offices all across the world every day. And since it doesn’t seem like anyone else wants to talk about it, we will!
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June 11th, 2007 at 5:08 am
Mike and Mark,
Great series. More so, when body odor/ personal scent, a very big issue in this part of the world despite being very ritualistic about clean body?? (May be a Gene Issue!!!) . Some times the body odor could be due to health issue like Diabetics, etc.
Thanks for giving out practical tips.
Regards
Karthik.
Bangalore, India.
June 11th, 2007 at 5:10 am
The title of the cast:- Body odour beame Body ORDER( right in a sense, I guess)
Karthik.
June 11th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Thanks for pointing that out! All better now.
Mike
June 12th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Hey Guys,
Thanks for addressing such a personal issue. You two have a great handle on what a person should do, not only as a manager but as a human being as well (consider others - individually and as a team). I appreciate the effort you put into creating the podcasts each week. I always look forward to the next topic.
Phil
KY
June 12th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
The comment in the podcast about Japan and people coming from the US to work here is correct. I would add that it is not usually a complaint about odor coming from perspiration, but more of people wearing way too much perfume or cologne.
I’ve been in Japan for about 20 years, and I definitely notice it but I actually miss people wearing perfume or cologne (kind of brings me back home). But, the Japanese definitely have an issue with it. So, if you are coming to Japan (and I would even say most places in Asia), best to tone it down.
June 14th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
I think the emphasis on “scent” rather than “odour” is essential. I’ve had colleagues who wore a certain fragrance that I thought smelt awful - but no way was it “body odour” it was a popular fragrance!
I’m just about to start a new job - I’m very new to management and only will have one report, and I hope I don’t have to use this cast - but it really gives me confidence to know that if I do need it, now I know how.
June 16th, 2007 at 10:11 am
We had an intern a few years ago - this was his first job in a professional setting, his family was from Eastern Europe, and he rode his bike to work in the hot, humid summer months.. It had never occurred to him that his body “scent” was anything out of the ordinary.
As a manager, this was an easy one. There was no question that I had to talk to him about it. (for me the more difficult management issues are the judgement calls)
I told him that this wasn’t personal and it was an uncomfortable topic for me to have to discuss with him - but he needed to use deodorant when working in an office setting … Thank you, your doing a great job, keep it up.
This is the sort of conversation that is like diving off a diving board. You just do it. Don’t make a big deal of it and move on.
June 23rd, 2007 at 11:59 am
Thanks for this cast - it adds to a topic one of the management courses my company has. They refer to these situations as “there are times…” discussions. I.e. “there are times when I have noticed a unique scent in your cube and I am concerned about the effects it may have.”
I like your approach but I have a twist to add. Some members of my team are mixed in with others reporting into different managers. If ‘neighbors’ have problems with scents, then it becomes a manager-to-manager issue. The other manager may not be as tactful at handling the situation with his/her direct and the issue may backfire. See where I’m heading?
Appreciate your thoughts.
June 23rd, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Xcelerator-
You can still talk to the person with the issue. Most would say don’t, but I disagree. Rather than asking the other manager to do something, since it affects your team, tell him or her you are going to have the conversation, and I suspect he will let you. If you ask him and he says no, you’re unlikely to be able to do anything without repercussions.
Mark
July 20th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
A very interesting topic indeed. Some wear colognes or perfumes to mask and others to attract. I was always taught to wear enough cologne to hint that you are wearing something, but not confirm it. Some folks are sensitive to perfumes which can lead to headaches or allergic reactions. As you get older your olfactory system also is less sensitive which can lead you to wear too much and there lies another topic altogether to address. Great pts all. Thanks.