Workplace Challenges
Dealing with challenging personalitiesTwice the other day on CBC Radio, I listened to commentators comment -- in very different contexts -- about relationships in the workplace. |
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 [ 2007-10-31 ] |
In one instance, while reviewing a book, a commentator said that the workplace is really a lab, where people live in petri dishes and there are observers watching how they interact.
Later in the day, another commentator said that next to sleeping, the workplace is where most people spend most of their time, so it's beneficial if you like the people with whom you work.
The truth is that nearly a third of workers recently surveyed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly-skilled administrative professionals, said they work with someone who is rude or unprofessional on the job.
Of those, 68% felt co-workers frequently behave badly -- and not just to the people who report to them.
And more than half of the survey respondents said their boorish colleagues are equal-opportunity offenders, upsetting subordinates, peers and superiors alike.
"Most employees will encounter an unpleasant colleague at some point, and how they interact with these co-workers can affect their careers," says Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam.
"Tactfully handling challenging personalities requires strong interpersonal skills and diplomacy, which can help someone stand out for all the right reasons."
And in a sad commentary on management in the workplace, nearly a quarter of those surveyed said their managers weren't effective in dealing with unprofessional co-workers, resulting in the need for many professionals having to put their interpersonal skills into overdrive.
In another twist, the survey found that those who had been in the workforce the longest have built up a certain amount of immunity to bad behaviour among their colleagues. More than a third of those surveyed who were age 65 or older said inconsiderate co-workers should be tolerated as long as they are good at their jobs.
"Those who have spent a lot of time on the job may be more effective at negating problem behaviours," Domeyer says. "The fact is, while you cannot always control others' behaviour, you can control your own reactions to it."
In order to help workers cope with inconsiderate colleagues, OfficeTeam has put together a list of the most common types of difficult co-workers and some tips on how to deal with them:
THE BELITTLER
Belittlers routinely tear others down in order to build themselves up. Put-downs, demeaning remarks and disparaging comments are common trademarks of this person. Coping strategy: Your confidence is the belittler's weakness, and he or she will back off if you stand up for yourself. Try refuting a belittler's criticism by asserting yourself, and using facts where possible. For example, if he or she puts down one of your ideas, say, "It's something that's worked for X, Y and Z, and it's also more cost effective than what we're doing now."
THE CREDIT THIEF
Insecure about their status, credit thieves boldly steal your ideas and grab the glory when a project is successful. Curiously, they're nowhere to be found when things go wrong. Coping strategy: Keep a written record of your activities and accomplishments. Give your manager regular status reports about the projects you're working on, and don't hesitate to correct misconceptions; for example, "Actually, I did the research, John helped input the data."
THE SABOTEUR
Saboteurs have a knack for leaving colleagues in the lurch. Similar to the belittler, they like to make others look bad. Their tactics aren't always overt, so you may not realize you're working with a saboteur until a critical deadline arrives. Then, you find you're unable to complete your part of the project because the saboteur has withheld important information. Coping strategy: Be sure your supervisor or project manager knows the roles and responsibilities of each team member, and insist on regular progress reports so that saboteurs can't take advantage of lapses in oversight.
THE RUMOUR MONGER
Rumour mongers like drama and often spread half-truths or lies by talking behind others' backs. This is an especially dangerous type of co-worker because he or she has the ability to tarnish your reputation. Coping strategy: The best defence is to avoid engaging in any kind of gossip. Remember that anything you say can be held against you. If the rumour monger starts swapping stories with you, say only good things about your colleagues and excuse yourself as quickly as possible.
THE SLACKER
This person may try to pass off tasks to other staff members. The slacker often claims he or she is "too busy" to help out, yet will make time for water cooler chats and web surfing during office hours. Coping strategy: Be sure this person carries his or her weight on project teams by documenting the responsibilities of each member of the group and asking for regular status reports. Hold everyone accountable for their portion of the project, and be firm with the deadlines.
Do you have you a bad boss?