Top 10 Difficult Co-Workers
By Editorial Staff
Contributed by Info Guru Paul Seaburn
I’m currently a sole proprietor, which means I have no difficult co-workers – unless you count the guy who gives me dirty looks in the restroom mirror.
Before this, I’ve had my share of jobs at corporations both big and small and found that difficult co-workers are everywhere. The best you can do is identify them quickly so you can be on the alert to either avoid them or deal with them. Here’s my field guide for spotting difficult co-workers.
Before you continue reading about the Top 10 Difficult Co-Workers there is a special announcement we would like to share with you. Catalogs.com has negotiated special medicare rates for our vibrant community of seniors. If you are over the age of 60, you can head over to our Seniors Health Section which is full of information about medicare. All you need is your zip code and a few minutes of your time to potentially save 100s of dollars on your medicare bills.
10. The Expert
These people have all the answers, rarely wait to be asked to share them and are offended when questioned. Their unbending belief in their knowledge makes them difficult to reason with. Arm yourself with facts and ask them to explain positions in greater detail – you can sometimes catch them in smaller errors.
9. The Procrastinator
Procrastinators try to be nice by never saying no, which often gets them over-committed or accepting jobs that are too difficult. Rather than admitting they’re in over their heads, they put things off. Either try to identify the problem or put them on a clock and hold them accountable for deadlines, but don’t attempt to trick them by setting early due dates – that rarely works.
8. The Brutus
By the time Julius Caesar saw Brutus with the knife, it was too late to stop the backstabbing. The Brutus is always watching for you to make a mistake so he can be the first to let everyone know. Do you job and hope he moves on to someone else. If you suspect the Brutus is out to sabotage you, keep notes and speak to HR or your manager.
7. The Boxer
The Boxer is combative out of fear or a need for attention. They’ll try to box you into a corner so hit back not with force but with alternatives for them to consider. If you must confront a Boxer, do it privately without an audience so that they can’t feed off of the attention or feel forced to defend their ego.
6. The Whiner
You may not see the Whiner coming but you’ll definitely hear the high-pitched siren a mile away. While a few complaints may be legitimate and tolerable, the nonstop barrage from the Whiner will consume your time and energy if you attempt to deal with them. You can’t change the Whiner’s negativity and attempting to fix their problems will only validate their gloom, so tell them you’re busy and show them the door.
5. The Did-You-Hear
Did you hear about the Did-You-Hear who knew everything that went on in the office except what she or she was supposed to be working on? Gossip is not only harmful, it’s also addictive. Keep your water cooler conversations to neutral subjects and ignore the Did-You-Hear when the topic turns to gossip.
4. The Promise Maker
“I promise I’ll send you that data in an email right away,” promises the Promise Maker. I promise that you’ll have to bug them many times before you finally, if ever, get what you were promised. They keep just enough promises to leave you off guard, so they’re difficult to refuse. Get the promise in writing and copy a manager or co-worker so you at least have some support.
3. The Absent-Minded Professor
The Absent-Minded Professor is always distracted by something more important than what you need and you hate to argue with one because they seem so smart that they surely must be able to multitask. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Their brilliance often saves them from their absentmindedness, so go to them when only when you need what they’re known to be good at.
2. The What-Do-You-Think
You’ll never get a decision out of a What-Do-You-Think because they don’t want to make the wrong choice and disappoint you. Don’t be flattered when they ask what you think – they’re just passing the buck. What-Do-You-Think is one of the few difficult employees who can be changed or trained – show them how your decision-making process works and encourage them to try it.
1. The Bully
Popular Savings Offers
Free Catalog
Get FREE Catalog to browse Cabela's Camping products
.jpg)
Cabela's Camping
Free Catalog
Get your Free Catalog and shop the best selection and collection of Designer Drapery Hardware Products on the Clearance Sale
Designer Drapery Hardware
10% OFF
Get 10% off when you sign up for texts and free shipping on your first order over $50
The Lighter Side
Free Catalog
Get your Free Catalog and shop the best selection and collection of Sturbridge Yankee Workshop Products on the Clearance Sale
Sturbridge Yankee Workshop
.jpg)
Bullies are bad in the playground and worse at work, especially if they’re your manager. Fear and intimidation are their tools, generally defended by a position of authority or by past performance. If the bullying turns to harassment, get human resources or management involved. Otherwise, stick to the facts and avoid getting emotional. Avoid a direct challenge by using indirect statements like “There’s no need to talk that way.”
.jpg?w=3840 "Order Free Catalogs from Mrs. Fields")
.png?w=3840 "Order Free Catalogs from Oriental Trading - Party Supplies")
.jpg?w=3840 "Order Free Catalogs from Victrola")
.png?w=3840 "Order Free Catalogs from Jay Buckley's Baseball Tours")
