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The Five (Difficult) People You Meet at Work ... and How to Get Along With Them…

Efadul Huq

The workplace is a jumble of many different personalities. In addition to co-workers who are easy to work with and great to be with, you may find difficult people at work. But a workplace is like a clock whose all the intricate machine parts need to work together harmoniously to get a job done. So whether you like it or not, you got to work with irritable co-workers. For those who haven't encountered them yet here are five major types of difficult people you may meet at work. And for those who have met them and don't know what should be done to get along with them, there are advices.

The Chatterbox
Let's start with your most affable co-worker. The chatterbox usually is good. She is friendly and wants to share all her thoughts (every last one of them) with you. She isn't trying to cause harm to anyone; it's her habit; she can't help it ... her incessant talking is just keeping you from concentrating on your work. Here are some things you can do to quiet down your chattering co-worker so you can get your job done.

Rather than risk insulting your colleague, put the blame on yourself. Tell your co-worker you have trouble concentrating while you are listening to her very engaging stories. You'd love to hear them at some other time, just not while you're working. Then, if you truly enjoy her company, have lunch with her once a week. But carefully choose the topics that you want to disclose to her; because she may go around distributing the news.

The Gossip
The gossip seems to know everything about everyone and he wants to share it. Should you listen to what your gossiping colleague has to say? Yes, you should listen to it since it is often a good way to hear news that may not make it through more formal information channels. The problem with gossip is that it carries both elements of truth and untruth, so view it with a cynical eye. Listen to your gossipy co-worker quietly. Don't become a gossip too. However, if the gossip being shared is of a very personal nature, for example he shares with you news of another co-worker's marital problems, change the subject or say that you don't feel right discussing someone behind his back.

The Complainer
There's always one person in a group who can never find anything about which to be happy. If she's not complaining about her health or her family, she's complaining about her job, the company, or your boss. Of course, some of her complaints may be legitimate, but the incessant whining is getting on your nerves. Generally, the complainer isn't looking for advice so offering it probably won't do any good. Change the subject whenever the bellyaching begins. Your colleague should get the hint after you do this repeatedly.

The Delegator
In almost every workplace you'll find someone who wants to share his work with his colleagues. We're not talking about those who have a legitimate reason to delegate work to others, for example managers or team leaders. We are speaking of those who either can't do all the work they have been given or don't want to do it. If team work is encouraged in your office and you have time to help your colleague you should. However, if managers are the only ones who have the authority to delegate and you already have your hands full, then you have to turn down the request. Tell your co-worker you have your own work to deal with. No point in acting a goody! You got to complete your own work first.

The Credit Grabber
The credit grabber does not acknowledge any help she receives from others. She accepts all the praise for a project without mentioning that she didn't do it alone. The first time this happens, consider it a mistake. Mention it to your colleague and ask her to let others know about your participation. If she doesn't, or if this happens again, make sure you let others know about the role you played in getting a project done. Then, unless you are mandated to work with this person, refuse to help out again.

With that the list ends. But these advices are just some of the ways to get along with them. You got to develop your own tactics and strategy in a workplace! Happy working!

(Source : Internet)

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