Managing Irritating Employees and Co-workers
The problem with difficult employees and co-workers is that they are often oblivious to their behavior. Additionally, avoiding them is out of the
question - at least for the short term.
If you do make a comment, they tend to stare at
you like you're from the moon. Your feelings have been building up for months (maybe even years) and it's time to do something about it. You can
either pull your hair out over their obnoxious behaviors - or, you can deal with him or her accordingly.
Define the Problem ("Co-worker" or "Employee") In The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Work, Joshua
Piven and David Borgenicht describe four possible types of difficult co-workers.
The Talker simply won't refrain from talking, engages in long-winded, one-sided conversations on trivial subjects, and always has
something to say about something or someone.
The Kiss-Up craves approval primarily from the boss, but will also seek approval from you as needed.
The Too Much Information (TMI) has no boundaries and no shame. The TMI will share every piece of personal and unpleasant information with and
about you without sparing a detail.
The Gossip is much like the TMI, will share any and every story - as long as it's not theirs.
Managing the Problem
The following are tips on how to deal with an employee or co-worker who is annoying you:
Take a break.
if you are spending more than 40 hours per week indoors with the
same people, something is bound to bother you eventually. In all relationships. everyone is going to have some sort of mannerism that bothers you, whether they
crack their gum too loud or just hold their pen wrong. Step outside for a breath of fresh air or run out to get a snack.
It's human nature to get bothered by the little things, so just accept it and take a break.
Toughen Up
The expression here is "Grow some rhino skin." Toughen up and don't let another person's bad habits hurt your concentration and productivity at work.
Try to detach from the problem person or at least limit your daily interactions. Obviously, you'll need to do this as professionally as possible.
Confront the Problem This is where you discuss the problem with your employee or co-worker in a non-judgmental,
non-confrontational way. Depending on what the behavior is that's bothering you, it may be solved with a friendly little chat. People sometimes
don't notice they are doing something really annoying because it's just by habit.
Get Some Support They have support groups for almost everything, including dealing with employees and co-workers. If you
can't find one near you, consider starting one yourself. Therapists with experience in business can also be a great resource in helping you
to learn how to communicate better.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
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Arnold, E. (2005). Managing human resources to improve employee retention. Health Care Manag (Frederick). 2005 Apr-Jun;24(2):132-40.
Arnold, E., Pulich, M., 7 Wang, H. (2008). Managing immature, irresponsible, or irritating employees. Health Care Manag, 27(4), 350-356.
Colbert, A. E., Mount, M. K., Harter, J. K., Witt, L. A., & Barrick, M. R. (2004). Interactive effects of personality and perceptions of the work situation on workplace deviance. J Appl Psychol, 89(4), 599-609.
Evans, P, (2003). Verbally abusive relationship: How to recognize it and how to respond. New York: Adams Media Corporation,
Helge D. (2001), Turning workplace anger and anxiety into peak performance. Strategies for enhancing employee health and productivity. AAOHN J. 2001 Aug;49(8):399-406; quiz 407-8. Review.
Henry, J. D., & Henry, L. S. (2002). Leading with soul/retaining employees. Authors of new book explore keys to employee satisfaction. Physician Exec. 2002 Jan-Feb;28(1):50-3.
Henry, L. S., & Henry, J. D. (2007). Using a strengths-based approach to build caring work environments. AAOHN J. 2007 Dec;55(12):501-3.
Pulich, M., & Tourigny, L. (2004). Workplace deviance: Strategies for modifying employee behavior. Health Care Manag, 23(4), 290-301.
Piven, J., & Borgenicht, D. (2003). The worst case scenario survival handbook: Work. New York: Chronicle Books/
Sorrentino, E. A. (1991). Codependency: management and administrative policy implications. Health Care Manage Rev. 1991 Fall;16(4), 49-54.
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