Just about everyone’s been there.
Unless you’re extremely lucky or tolerant, you’ll have your share of annoying co-workers over the years. Here is how to deal with the six most common types. Hopefully none of them sound like you.
The interrupter
Whenever you’re talking with a co-worker, this person finds a way to butt in. She answers your questions to other people, and you can’t have a private conversation without her ending up in it.
The solution: Address the issue head-on. The next time this happens, say something like, “Actually, I really wanted to get Jane’s input on this. Would you give us a minute?” If she doesn’t back off, say it again. Be nice, but firm.
The know-it-all
This person has an opinion on everything and loves to tell you how to do your job better.
The solution: Let it roll off your back. The more you ignore this person and don’t let him get to you, the better. When he offers an unsolicited opinion, say, “Thanks, I’ll think about that.” And if you find yourself getting frustrated, comfort yourself with the knowledge that this person is widely considered obnoxious. You’re definitely not the only one annoyed.
The slacker
You’re working away, and she’s posting on Facebook or planning her wedding. Every day. It’s obvious she’s not pulling her weight, but for some reason your boss doesn’t do anything about it.
The solution: Try to ignore it. If it’s not affecting your work, it’s really not your business. If it does affect your ability to do your job, then raise it with your boss from that perspective, keeping the focus on how it affects your productivity.
The grump
The grump exudes negativity. Suggestions, new practices, the new guy down the hall — he hates them all and makes sure people know it.
The solution: Have a sense of humor. Try to see this person as your own office Eeyore. If that doesn’t help, remember that this person is miserable. Happy people don’t behave that way, and remembering that might make dealing with him somewhat easier.
The speakerphone lover
For some reason, this co-worker always plays back her voicemail messages on speakerphone … or worse, has whole conversations on speakerphone with an utter disregard for how annoying it is to those around her.
The solution: Be straightforward. Say something like, “Hey Meredith, would you mind taking your phone off speaker? It makes it hard to concentrate.”
The blabbermouth
The blabbermouth goes on and on and on. She’s especially talented at roping you into long conversations that never end when you’re on deadline or trying to make a phone call.
The solution: Be assertive, and don’t let the blabbermouth have so much power over how you spend your time. Speak up! Say, “Sorry, but I’m on deadline and I’ve got to finish something up.” If she still keeps going, be even more direct: “I need to stop talking and get back to work.”
Notice a theme?
With most types of annoying co-workers, the solution is simply to be straightforward and assertive. Not angry, not hostile — just direct. That’s something that can make people anxious, so it’s important to know that it’s really OK to speak up for yourself in a matter-of-fact, professional way. And if that fails, just be glad these people aren’t in your family.
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6 Kinds of Annoying Co-Workers and How to Deal With Them originally appeared on usnews.com
