how-to-deal-with-those-annoying-coworkers

There are going to be people at work that you do not gel with. We have all had our share of annoying coworkers. These co-workers have similar characteristics that we have divided into 6 types. Here is how to deal with the six most common types of annoying coworkers.

With most types of annoying coworkers, 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.

The first step is to identify what type of annoying coworker you are dealing with. I have listed six different annoying coworkers. Once you have identified the type of person you are dealing with, you can then put a plan in place to help you deal with this person.

1. The Micro-Manager-This person has an opinion on everything and loves to tell you how to do your job! They stand over your back and nit-pick over every detail. They have something critical to say about your work. If you’re the type of person who likes to hear kind words, compliments, and affirmations, this type of person will drive you crazy. Clearly state how you feel and follow up with a question.
   1. Action Steps: In one ear and out of the other. When they offers an unsolicited opinion, say, “Thanks, I’ll think about that.” And if you find yourself getting frustrated say this to them, “I feel as though you do not trust me and that frustrates me, could you give me some specific advice on how to make this report better for next time?” You can also ask them; “How can we change the process so we are both happier next week?”
   2. Know that everyone in the office probably feels the same way. Comfort yourself with the knowledge that this person is widely considered obnoxious. You’re definitely not the only one annoyed.
2. The Slacker– You come in early to get ahead, and this coworker is posting on Facebook or planning their weekend trip. It’s obvious, they are not pulling their weight, but for some reason your boss doesn’t do anything about it.
   1. Action Steps: Try to ignore them. 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.
3. The interrupter– This person monopolizes every conversation. They bud in at every chance that they get. Whenever you’re talking with a co-worker, this person finds their way into the conversation. This person answers your questions and communicates the information with other people. There is no such thing as a private conversation without them ending up in it.
   1. Action Steps: Confront this person assertively. The next time this happens, say something like, “Actually, I really wanted to get XYZ’s input on this. Would you give us a minute?” If they don’t back off, say it again. Be nice, but firm.
4. The Energy Vampire- This person hates everything about your workplace. They constantly complain, suggests new practices, and let’s everyone know that they hate the new guy.
   1. Action Steps: Have a sense of humor. Try to see this person as your own office Grouch. If that doesn’t help, remember that this person is miserable. Misery loves company. Happy people don’t behave that way, and remembering that might make dealing with him/her somewhat easier.
5. The Gossiper- They are talented at roping you into long conversations that never end when you have a deadline or phone call to make. They talk about themselves, coworkers, people in the community, etc. Now these people can be great relationship builders but waste a lot of time.
   1. Action Steps: 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 have to finish something up.” If they still keeps going, be even more direct: “I need to stop talking and get back to work.” If you see this person talking in a group, try to avoid getting involved in the conversation.
6. The Bully– They often have some form of authority and uses it as a weapon. The Bully is the worst of all the characters you’ll meet because they are often not easy to avoid and could be a key player in how you’re perceived by management.
   1. Action Steps: Don’t show you are offended by their jabs, don’t engage in pointless argument. Either use your wit and hit back with direct but respectful remark, or simply walk away unaffected. They’ll be annoyed that you aren’t a pushover and move on to easier prey.
   2. Be specific with your deadlines, capabilities, and needs.
   3. Use a lot of humor.
   4. Avoid “oughts” and “shoulds.” Criticisms like “You should be…!” usually make people threatened. Feeling threatened puts people on the defensive.
   5. Avoid labels. Labels like “stupid,” “crazy,” “rigid,” “communist,” etc., tend to categorize people and blame them. Expressing your feelings directly works better than categorizing ourselves or others.
   6. Avoid the phrases “I feel that you are crazy”. This is a disguised you statement.

Positive work environments result in higher productivity. Imagine working in an environment where you can trust you coworkers, have that independence to be creative and take that extra initiative, get acknowledge for the blood sweat and tears that you put in, and know that what you are doing has a higher purpose. We all need to know that what we are doing has a higher purpose that is linked to our own personal purpose.  Here are four things I believe influence workplace engagement.

1. Physical needs: the physical opportunities to regularly renew and recharge at work.How to deal with those annoying coworkers?
2. Recognition: the need to feel valued and appreciated for you contribution.
3. Independence: the need to be able to focus in a sustained way and define where and how to work.
4. Purpose: the spiritual need to feel connected to some kind of higher purpose at work.

Work engagement is driven by the need to be recognized and feel as though you have a purpose. Therefore, I encourage you all to reach out to someone you work with once a week and tell them about three positive traits that they possess. Words of thanks to coworkers can go a long way. Making a coworker feel valued will not only brighten their day, it will make it that much easier for everyone to work with you. Words of appreciation to co workers can take peer feedback to the next level. We are social creatures; therefore make an effort to release positive energy into your work relationships! This is you how to deal with those annoying coworkers?

If you need support in dealing with these annoying coworkers, do not hesitate to reach out. Team building activities for coworkers can go a long way.  Understanding the importance of developing your team and recognizing the unique opportunity to facilitate experiential team building exercises to expand awareness and develop competency in communication, collaboration, and coordination is essential. By availing itself of our services, your team will:

• Provide high-impact learning, increase team skills and communication, and improve engagement and productivity.
• Increase commitment to your corporate goals through high impact learning and shared experience.
• Improve collaboration by identifying barriers to working together.
• Experience the core values of diversity, excellence, and integrity.

Myers Life Coaching’s unique ability to actively engage leaders to produce greater synergy, focus, cohesiveness, and bottom-line effectiveness makes us an enviable partner.  We look forward to being a resource. Thanks for reading.