Source : The Muse
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| Credit to beenbitten.com |
Wouldn’t
it be great if you got along swimmingly with every person you worked with? I’ll
assume you’re nodding your head right now.
But
sadly, that’s never the case. Because unlike your friends, you don’t get to
choose your co-workers. And while some will be awesome human beings who turn
into lifelong friends, others will drive you crazy because they’re just so very
horrible.
Trust
me, I know you’ve got at least one or two in your office—so I’ve come up with
the perfect techniques for dealing with the five most common kinds of annoying
co-workers.
You’re
welcome.
1. The
Interruptor
Sure,
every once in a while it’s OK to get excited and interrupt what someone else is
saying, but this person is constantly talking over everyone else: during
meetings, in casual conversation, and on the phone. Not only is it driving you
nuts, but it’s harming your ability to work with this colleague.
The
Fix
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| Credit to theindiechicks.com |
Next
time you’re together (either in a group setting or one-on-one), let the first
interruption pass without saying anything.
When
he or she does it again, politely but firmly say, “Please let me finish my
comment—then I’ll be happy to get your thoughts. As I was saying…”
It can
also be helpful to shift your body to face the group after saying this. Then,
when you’re done, turn to the interruptor to indicate he or she now has the
floor.
2. The
Nosy Person
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| Credit to india.com |
Even
though you spend 40-plus hours a week with or near your co-workers—which yes,
can create a sense of intimacy—you’ve got a right to keep the private details
of your life, well, private.
Unfortunately,
this person can’t respect this boundary—and will ask you inappropriate
questions about your romantic choices, your health and weight, your salary,
your decision to have a family (or not), and other topics that you’d really
rather not discuss.
The
Fix
If
you’re worried about hurting this person’s feelings, respond to prying
questions by laughing and saying, “If I told you, I’d have to kill you,” or
“That’s for me to know… and my therapist to find out.”
Other
times (when the code of humour doesn't work) you might need to go with a more direct approach. Try, “Honestly, I’d
rather not say,” or “That’s pretty personal. I’d rather talk about something
else…” then change the subject.
3. The
Class Clown
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| Credit to quora.com |
Humor
in the office is great—except for when it’s interfering with your productivity.
And this person’s constantly cracking (bad) jokes and can’t seem to take
anything seriously, no matter how urgent or intense the situation. While you
found it entertaining at first, now it’s anything but.
The
Fix
To
discourage this person, simply stop responding. When he or she cracks a joke,
smile briefly, then steer the conversation in a more productive direction.
Or,
when you’re communicating via email or chat and this person tries to be funny,
simply ignore everything but the relevant parts of his or her message.
4. The
Micromanager
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This
person is your peer, but he or she acts like your superior. You’re always
getting update requests, unwanted input, and “constructive” criticism. Not only
is this frustrating on a personal level, but it also weakens your authority on
your own team and in front of anyone who reports to you.
The
Fix
Since
this is a fairly delicate conversation, I suggest having it away from your
other co-workers. A nearby coffee shop, as it’s neutral territory.
Once
you’re alone, say, “It’s really clear that you’re dedicated to (company) and
are willing to work extraordinarily hard to make it successful. That’s
something I really admire.” By starting with a compliment, you’ll make this
person more receptive to the conversation. Then, add “However, I feel that your
constructive criticism is starting to get in the way of my productivity as well
as interfere with the goals my boss set out for me,” citing a specific and
recent example of the behavior. Finish off with, “While I value your opinion,
I’d appreciate if you could limit your comments unless they directly impact
your role.”
5. The
Bully
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| Credit to modvive.com |
You
thought you left this type behind in high school. But unfortunately, bullies
can be found in almost every workplace: They’re the ones who say snide
comments, constantly critique your work, question your judgment, and so forth.
The
Fix
Your
response depends on how severe the bullying behavior is. If it’s limited to
mean remarks and passive-aggressive emails, then either ignore it or reply
calmly, “I don’t appreciate that comment,” or “I’d prefer to set up time to
discuss feedback in person since it seems like we have conflicting ideas.”
However,
you should escalate the situation and speak with your manager (or, if
necessary, HR), if you’re being verbally abused, threatened, humiliated, or
intimidated. (And if the bully is your manager? Hop right over here.)
No
matter where you work, there’s guaranteed to be at least one person who drives
you bananas. So take a deep breath, and try these tips before you lose it in
the office.
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