How to Tell Someone They Smell Bad at Work

Steps

1. Get the best attitude - an empathic, informative attitude.
2. Find a quiet place to initiate the discussion.
3. Use neutral, impersonal language that refers to professionalism and the impact on the office.
4. Say something like, "I have noticed the smell of (the offensive odor), and I’m concerned that it is having an impact on your ability to interact with your co-workers and our customers."
5. Let them know you are pointing it out to be helpful. Use the Power Phrase, "I’m telling you because it’s important for you to know."
6. Set up a follow-up discussion.
7. Let them know how they're doing.

Tips

• Tell the offender, not anyone else.
• Be as low key as you can, but don't hide the truth in hints.
• If they become reactive, be empathic about it.

Warnings

• Don’t refer to culture or race or anything that could get you in legal hot water.
• Don’t assume you know what the underlying issue is. You don’t.

External Links

• http://www.speakstrong.com/newsletterarticles.html

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