The Most Annoying Coworkers: Which One Are You?

By Robert Half International

The Naysayer

- Delights in shooting down ideas.

- Immediately pooh-poohs any proposal that challenges the status quo.

Try Remedy:

- Diverse opinions, withhold comment and judgement until the appropriate time.

- Be tactful and constructive when delivering criticism or alternative viewpoints.

The Spotlight Stealer

- Definitely an ‘I’ in ‘team’ according to glory seeker.

- Who tries to take full credit for collaborative efforts and impress higher-ups.

- Overly ambitious corporate climber never heard a good idea he wouldn’t pass off as his own.

Try Remedy:

- Win over the boss and colleagues by being a team player.

- Publicly thank everyone who helped you. “I couldn’t have done it without….” is a savvy phrase to remember.

The Buzzwordsmith

- This ineffective communicator loves to ‘utilize’ – never just ‘use’

- Specific jargon and obscure acronyms that muddle messages.

Try Remedy:

- Be PRECISE, CLEAR, SIMPLE LANGUAGE.

- USE LANGUAGE everyone will understand your message.

- Rephrase it, using ‘plain English’.

The Inconsiderate Emailer

- Addicted to the ‘reply all’ function

- This ‘cc’ supporter clogs colleagues, already-overflowing inboxes with unnecessary messages.

- Marks less-than-critical emails as ‘high priority’.

- Sends enormous attachments that crash unwitting recipients’ computers.

Try remedy:

- Break the habit of using emails as mode of communication.

- Conversations better suited for quick phone calls or in-person discussions.

- The less email you send, the less you’re likely to receive.

The Interrupter

- Has little regard for others’ peace, quiet or concentration.

- Entering your work area to request immediate help too often.

- In meetings loudly tapping on a laptop, fielding calls on a cell phone.

- Initiating off-topic side conversations.

Try remedy:

- Mind your manners to build healthy relationships at work even.

- When competing with demands and tight deadlines.

The Stick in the Mud

- All business all of the time.

- Don’t have fun at work and doesn’t think anyone else should either.

Try remedy:

- Have a sense of humor and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself once in a while.

- Helps you build rapport, boost morale and deflate tension when working under stressful situations.

The best advice : Remember common courtesy and act toward others as you want them to act toward you.