10 difficult co-workers and how to cope with them
Published June 27, 2014 3:18 AM
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Updated June 27, 2014 10:56 AM
1 Min Read
1. The Waffler
Wafflers study everything to death, always seeking that mythical single last bit of information that will make a decision into a no-brainer. If your project hinges on a waffler, establish a deadline, with a default if no course of action is chosen. [Image: Shutterstock]
2. The Competitor
The competitor defines the world as a zero-sum game. She always must feel that shes won and that someone else has lost. To deal with her, channel that competitiveness into helping her team win (and somebody elses team lose). [Image: Shutterstock]
3. The Dramatist
Dramatists (aka, drama queens) draw energy from the drama they create because it makes them the center of attention. Unfortunately, giving them attention only increases their appetite, so your best bet is to ignore the histrionics until they run out of steam. [Image: Shutterstock]
4. The Iconoclast
Iconoclasts break even the most sensible rules (social and business rules alike), just to show that they can get away with it. To deal with iconoclasts, distance yourself from them as soon as possible, both socially and organizationally. [Image: Shutterstock]
5. The Droner
Droners are always ready to give a presentationusually one that everyone has heard before. To cope, try to avoid any meeting to which a droner has been invited. If thats not possible, answer emails on your tablet or laptop under the guise of taking notes. [Image: Shutterstock]
6. The Frenemy
The frenemy pretends to be your biggest cheerleader but subtly sabotages everything you do. Example: You did so well in that meeting that almost nobody noticed the typos. Best strategy: Cool the friendship and avoid them. [Image: Shutterstock]
7. The Vampire
Workplace vampires suck all the energy out of the room by always having a reason that something wont work. Just as traditional vampires avoid sunlight, workplace vampires avoid ridicule. Just say: Oh, youre just being negative. Then move on. [Image: Shutterstock]
8. The Parasite
Parasites wait to see what ideas become popular and then position themselves as the brains behind them. To thwart them, always keep an audit trail of your contributions to a project in the form of regular status reports. [Image: Shutterstock]
9. The Genius
These are legends in their own minds who talk and talk about their accomplishments but never seem to get anything done. To work with them, lay out frequent (even daily) milestones, and complain loudly to the geniuss boss when deadlines are missed. [Image: Shutterstock]
10. The Volcano
Volcanoes appear calm and cool but under the veneer is a roiling cauldron of anger and bitterness, which will eventually explode. Your best strategy: Be elsewhere when the volcano blows. [Image: Shutterstock]
