We’ve all encountered people who act as if they are the center of the universe—the person who cuts in line at a busy Starbucks, the driver who zooms past everyone on the shoulder of the highway, or the coworker who interrupts a conversation without acknowledging others. These behaviors can be frustrating, but have you ever stopped to consider whether you might be guilty of similar actions at work—without even realizing it?
Life moves fast, and with the constant demands of technology, deadlines, and personal responsibilities, it’s easy to become so focused on our own needs that we inadvertently ignore the needs of others. When we do this, we send the same message as the line cutter or shoulder driver: “I am more important than you.”
That may not be your intent, but it could explain why you’re encountering resistance or struggling to gain support at work. To help identify whether you’re suffering from “Center of the Universe Syndrome,” take a moment to review the checklist below.
- The Way You Initiate Conversations
With the rise of instant messaging and video calls, workplace communication has become more direct and transactional. While efficiency is excellent, it can sometimes come across as abrupt or dismissive.
For example, imagine calling a colleague on Microsoft Teams or Zoom:
Jackie (answering a call): “Yeah?“
You: “Oh, hey Jackie, I was hoping to check on that report.”
Jackie: “What report?”
That kind of greeting feels cold and impersonal. A simple shift can make all the difference:
Jackie: “This is Jackie; how can I help?”
You: “Hi Jackie, it’s Rhonda. I know your are busy—do you have a quick minute to chat about the report?”
This minor tweak shows respect and acknowledges the other person’s time and presence.
- Your Email Etiquette
Email is a staple of business communication, yet many of us treat it like a text message—jumping straight to the point without any greeting or context.
Compare these two approaches:
❌ Bad Example:
Need that report by 3 PM. Let me know if there’s an issue.
✅ Better Example:
Hi Jamie,
Hope you’re doing well. I wanted to check on the status of the report. Would you be able to send it by 3 PM? Let me know if there are any issues.
Thanks!
Adding a simple greeting and a polite close takes seconds but makes a big difference in how your message is received.
- Me, Me, Me Language
We all know someone who makes every conversation about themselves. You might mention how excited you are about your upcoming vacation, only for them to immediately launch into a monologue about their own travels.
Consider this interaction:
❌ Self-Centered Response:
You: “I finally booked my dream trip to Italy!”
Colleague: “Oh nice, I went to Italy last year. But honestly, Greece was way better! You should totally go there instead.”
✅ Engaging Response:
Colleague: “That’s amazing! What part of Italy are you visiting? Have you planned your itinerary yet?“
See the difference? The second response keeps the focus on the original speaker rather than shifting it to oneself.
- Office Awareness (or Lack Thereof)
Being self-aware in shared spaces is another way to show consideration for others. Are you guilty of these office faux pas?
- Taking the last cup of coffee without making a new pot
- Leaving a mess in the shared kitchen or bathroom
- Talking loudly on speakerphone in an open workspace
- Ignoring an urgent request from a colleague because you’re “too busy”
It’s easy to get caught up in our own world, but a little awareness goes a long way in fostering a positive work environment.
Being mindful of how you communicate and interact with others can significantly impact your relationships at work. Take the time to acknowledge others, use greetings in emails and calls, be aware of your surroundings, and ensure conversations are balanced—not just about you.
By making these small changes, you’ll find that people respond more positively to you, collaboration becomes smoother, and your professional reputation will thrive. After all, the world doesn’t revolve around just one person—let’s make 2025 the year we all remember that!
