The People we work with

Abstract:

‘People make the atmosphere’, some-one is to have once famously commented. That is the unfiltered truth. People do make up the atmosphere at the workplace. Everyone is differ-ent, which pretty much adds up to the dynamics of the work-place. While one may nurture the vision of a workplace that is about achievements, suc-cesses, challenges, growth and fun, it would be worthwhile to get an idea of the kind of people one interacts with on a daily basis.

Main Article:

‘People make the atmosphere’, some-one is to have once famously commented. That is the unfiltered truth. People do make up the atmosphere at the workplace. Everyone is differ-ent, which pretty much adds up to the dynamics of the work-place.

 
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While one may nurture the vision of a workplace that is about achievements, suc-cesses, challenges, growth and fun, it would be worthwhile to get an idea of the kind of people one interacts with on a daily basis. This is important because the office is almost like a second home. And like with family, we can’t choose the people we get to interact/work with.

 

So who are these people? What are they like? How would it be working with them? What are the best ways to deal with them for a harmonious work-ing relationship? There are some really interesting types of people. There are a dozen. Although the grouping is arbitrary, it will be fun to know the type of the person in the next cubicle.

 

The Leader/Motivator

Always the first to talk, these personalities love every-thing that comes from being at the forefront. They will be the first to grab a marker and rush to the white board at a meeting. They are also great at planning and getting things ex-ecuted. They love their chairs.They inspire others to follow a path of success. They are com-fortable in their own skin and are calm, organised and well-meaning. Truly a lovable lot. You can please a leader only by being disciplined and being good at what you do. Nothing else is going to work with this type.

 
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The Know-it-all

The Know-it-all is actu-ally a bit of a dangerous per-sonality if you are going to be dependent on this one for your information feeds. The Know-it-all pretends to know everything about everything but in reality wouldn’t know much about anything. These people are also over-confident and believe that they simply cannot be wrong. Such people can be seen passing irrelevant comments or providing trivial data in a group discussion. They like everyone to believe that they are superior by pos-session of knowledge about a wide variety of things. Be-ing direct with them is neces-sary. Make them repeat what they have just said and give them jobs that can be tracked constantly and easily.

 

The Flaw Picker

While a flaw picker can be annoying to work with, they make great employees or bosses. They have an extraor-dinary eye for detail and don’t miss much even in a labyrinth of data. They mean well and have an utter dislike for errors which is a great trait but can come across as mean and ar-rogant because of the way they work or spot flaws in everyone else’s work. They can be safely entrusted with jobs that require attention to detail.

 

The Office Clown

The Office Clown is blessed with an amazing sense of hu-mour. They can find something comic to say or do at every in-stance or with anyone irrespec-tive of who they are. They are excellent company at lunch and cooler breaks and help keep the mood at work buoyant.

 
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It is important to understand that the Office Clown is just a happy soul and does not mean to belittle you by joking about you or your actions. They love to evoke laughter and that is what gives them the kick to go ahead and finish their tasks at work. Entertain the clown but be intelligent enough to know where you need to make him/her stop.

 

The Super-Agreeable

The Super-Agreeable are sweet and like to be known so. You can get these people to concur with you on anything simply and quickly but getting things delivered from them is a task. These people need constant cajoling, supervision and inspiration to get going.

 
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Making them understand the importance of the job they have been given and the deadline are vital.

 

The Chronic Complainer

The complainer sees the negative side to everything. Complaining is their method of avoiding conflict, relieving stress and seeking attention, but the attitude can be morale damaging. Be empathetic, but do not try to solve their prob-lem for them.

 

The Boss’s Pet

They get promotions eas-ily, they also get glowing rec-ommendations from their boss if they ever leave the job. But even a glowing recommenda-tion is not going to help them if they keep up with the brown-nosing everywhere. Every boss has the perfect idea of who is brownnosing him/her, how and why. But they also need a pet and hence they entertain them.

 

The Social Pariah

Social pariah’s have very disturbing habits that make the other person dealing with them very uncomfortable. They may also pass inappropriate com-ments in a group. They could be scratching or pulling, dig-ging their noses or doing such insufferable things publicly that you will not want to be seen being friendly with a so-cial pariah. You might think it damages your personality but no, you are responsible for your behaviour alone, not theirs.

 
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The Quiet One

This is the shy one in a meeting.

Typically sits in the last row and will not raise any points. They are quiet be-cause they feel that they have nothing funny or entertaining to add to a conversation. But the quiet one is worth paying attention to. Below their shy nature will be a bouquet of in-telligence that you can tap use-fully. They need a little prod-ding off and on but it will be worth the effort to get them to speak. Communicating openly and honestly with them can help them open up. Make them understand that they are a vital link in the team.

 
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The Gossip Artist

This is the person that does extra time at the lunch room, rest room, coffee machine and the cooler. They love company and will speak to anything that has ears. Their day can never be complete without gossiping about someone else at work. Be very careful with this kind. Hanging out with them can sorely damage your repu-tation.

 

The Office Bully

Bullies are of different types – some shout, some abuse physically or verbally, some micromanage or even make disparaging comments about the other person. Their attitude is their misplaced zeal to get work done. They do more damage to their underlings’ ca-pability by bullying since the subordinates will be more con-cerned about finishing off jobs to protect themselves from the bully rather than working on creative and better solutions to a problem. With a bully, you need to stand up for yourself.Be firm and confident when dealing with a bully, but never stoop to their level.

 

The Backstabber

The Backstabber is nice to you, ensures that you discuss your ideas with them and then runs off with them. They steal your ideas and present them to the boss as theirs and win appreciation without a hint of remorse. These people also tell on you or your mistakes and have the innate ability to make you look bad.

 
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They become mean if ap-proached about the subject but it is essential to deal with a backstabber at the first instance itself. Otherwise the backstab-ber will make merry at your expense. Dealing with a back-stabber can be physically and emotionally draining.

 

Since working with a back-stabber is very tricky, keep your boss in the loop of any significant developments or mistakes you may have made at work. Make sure your boss and co-workers hear it from you first so that you can reap or repair on time.

 

 

BUDDING MANAGERS

MARCH 2014 ISSUE


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Author:  buddingmanagers
Posted On:  Wednesday, 9 April, 2014 - 12:57

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