Last week, we looked the Gossip and the Slacker – two types of coworkers found in many offices. This week, we visit three more people you might get to know at work.
The Non-Stop Talker
Rarely mean-spirited, this coworker usually means well and is a friendly person. She wants to share her thoughts and ideas on every subject under the sun and has an uncanny ability to show up at your desk whenever you’re deep in thought.
Try physically standing up if she goes on and on. This will unconsciously signal that you may be on your way somewhere, and break her train of thought. If this doesn’t work, hold up your hand slightly as if you’re going to ask as question, and when she pauses, tell her you’re really interested in what she’s saying but that you’ll have to talk later as you just have to get this report/budget/call/invoice done. Suggest coffee or lunch later.
Or, if she’s not someone you want to spend more time with, try telling her you’ve been having trouble concentrating lately. Say you can’t seem to listen and work at the same time anymore. Ask her how she manages to do it, then say you wish you were able to, but just can’t. She may recognize herself as part of the problem.
The Complainer
Mr. Negative can bring everyone down with his constant complaining. No matter the subject, he’ll find something to complain about, or have a criticism to add. You may find yourself getting drawn in and trying to rationalize with him, especially if you disagree with his negative perceptions. Chances are the Complainer isn’t looking for your feedback, so this can be a waste of your time.
Try changing the subject or not responding to their gloomy comments. If they persist and if you feel comfortable doing it, with a smile on your face and in your voice, tell them sorry, no negativity allowed – your office is a complaint free zone today.
Yourself
Working with others can bring out the best and the worst in us. How we communicate in our private lives doesn’t always serve us well at the office. Our personal opinions are not necessarily appropriate at work. We have the chance to practice patience, tolerance and appreciation for others. No matter how much we authority we have, or how skilled we are, there is always an opportunity to learn from someone else.
The secret is to do more listening than talking, more pausing to reflect before judging, and more remembering that you are one of the team, not the whole team.