I'm not regular user on this Q&A, but I decided it can't hurt if I just leave this thought of mine here.
What is this about is that I've seen several repetitive questions, most of which I've seen thanks to the Hot panel, which involved over-thinking and over-escalating really petty conflicts. I've actually been exactly through some of the described situations but didn't consider them a big deal, just resolved them through dialogue or simply ignoring the issue as too minor to care.
I understand other people have different limits but aside of being too petty, however those questions are also quite repetitive as far as the answers are considered:
- (top answers, by votes) Contact the manager and he will remove source of conflict rather than resolving it.
- Leave it be. If you can't contact the manager
- (bad answers, by my opinion) Use some passive-aggressive strategy to fight back against whatever displeases you. Actually passive is optional.
I think those questions derail the focus of this site on serious workplace issues. And in comment threads, it sometimes seems that OP's primary motive was sympathy with his situation, not a solution.
I didn't want to include examples, but as I see the question is now quite vague. I can't find all the questions that made me feel like this, but those two very recent closely describe what I'm talking about:
- New coworker puts on disturbing shows and music on the store TV
- Coworker has a borderline-NSFW ringtone that is disturbing. How can I get him to change it?
Now because I'm not experienced user here, I'm rather trying to spark some discussion on this topic than propose a solution. Maybe I'm the one over-thinking, I'll appreciate any input.