I've wondered, is it possible to be overly professional at work to the point where you seem rude or flaky? There's nothing wrong with professionalism, but I've heard of people stating that they may know someone at work who is so over the top in terms of professionalism that they just seem very flaky and rude. No one is their true selves at work, but at the same time, I do believe you can still maintain your genuine personality while still being professional.

I've actually seen this as well where someone at work only acknowledges others from work while they are currently on the clock. If they see anyone from work outside in public, they will treat you like they have no idea who you are. I've actually seen that myself too. I know a secretary at my work who will say hi to you while at work, but if you see her in public, she will act like she doesn't know you. I've been told by others that she has done the same thing to them.

I get it, I prefer to not talk to people from work when I'm not on the clock, but, if I see them in public and they wave hi, I still politely say hi back. I won't engage in conversation, but I'll still acknowledge their presence. Another thing I've seen happen is someone being so professional that they even refuse to answer basic small talk questions on breaks like whether they had a good weekend or holiday break. You don't even have to ask what they did, all you have to ask is, "Did you have a good break or weekend?" They may respond with a short curt reply and then start talking about work related stuff.

Again, I totally get being professional and maintaining professional boundaries, but at the same time, I feel like if you can't even make small talk at work and you act like a completely different person, then it just comes off as more rude than being professional. I believe you can maintain professionalism without tossing your personality out the window. Do you know anyone who may be like this? I don’t let it affect me, just an observation. Just wondered what you thought.