13 types of annoying co-workers and how to deal with them

Which ever way, you are bound to encounter different kinds of characters in the working environment. And as any experienced corporate individual will tell you, you will require a lot of skill to deal with a lot of these characters.

Bellow are 13 samples of the character types you are likely to encounter at the workplace compiled by Pulse Business, and how to deal with them.

Tanks

How they act: They are pushy and controlling, and may be loud and forceful or quietly intense. One thing's for sure: If you're in their path, they'll remove you as an obstacle.

How to deal: Because they are focused on getting things done and moving quickly, you need to cut to the chase and get to the point, so they don't think you're wasting time.

Snipers

How they act: They are covert and manipulative and will exploit your weaknesses behind your back or by insulting you in front of a group.

How to deal: Call them on it. When they are confronted and forced to explain themselves, they often can't. You may need to do it multiple times in order to get them to stop.

The interrupter

Whenever you’re talking with a co-worker, this person finds a way to butt in. She answers your questions to other people, and you can’t have a private conversation without her ending up in it.The solution: Address the issue head-on. The next time this happens, say something like, “Actually, I really wanted to get Jane’s input on this. Would you give us a minute?” If she doesn’t back off, say it again. Be nice, but firm.

The know-it-all

This person has an opinion on everything and loves to tell you how to do your job better.The solution: Let it roll off your back. The more you ignore this person and don’t let him get to you, the better. When he offers an unsolicited opinion, say, “Thanks, I'll think about that.” And if you find yourself getting frustrated, comfort yourself with the knowledge that this person is widely considered obnoxious. You're definitely not the only one annoyed.

Think-They-Know-It-Alls

How they act: These people don't know much but want you to think they do. They talk a lot, exaggerate and brag to get attention.

How to deal: Give them a little attention and then expose the holes in their argument. Say, "I'm glad you brought that up," and then ask specific questions that reveal they don't know what they're talking about.

The slacker

You’re working away, and she’s posting on Facebook or planning her wedding. Every day. It’s obvious she’s not pulling her weight, but for some reason your boss doesn’t do anything about it.The solution: Try to ignore it. If it’s not affecting your work, it's really not your business. If it does affect your ability to do your job, then raise it with your boss from that perspective, keeping the focus on how it affects your productivity.

Yes People

How they act: Eager to please, they agree to everything but rarely follow through, leaving a trail of unfinished work and broken promises.

How to deal: Knowing that they want approval, make conversations feel safe enough for them to be honest. Also help ensure a commitment by getting them to write it down, setting a clear deadline and pointing out the negative consequences of breaking the commitment.

Maybe People

How they act: Indecisive, they continue putting off crucial decisions until it's too late.

How to deal: Patiently walk through all the options and positives and negatives of each choice. When they lean towards a decision reassure them it's a good one.

The grump

The grump exudes negativity. Suggestions, new practices, the new guy down the hall – he hates them all and makes sure people know it.The solution: Have a sense of humor. Try to see this person as your own office Eeyore. If that doesn’t help, remember that this person is miserable. Happy people don’t behave that way, and remembering that might make dealing with him somewhat easier.

The speakerphone lover

For some reason, this co-worker always plays back her voicemail messages on speakerphone ... or worse, has whole conversations on speakerphone with an utter disregard for how annoying it is to those around her.The solution: Be straightforward. Say something like, “Hey Meredith, would you mind taking your phone off speaker? It makes it hard to concentrate.”

Grenades

How they act: These are the screamers and stompers. They become explosively angry or throw emotional temper tantrums.

How to deal: Give them time to cool down. Follow-up later and respond to their feelings, address the problem and offer appreciation for them and their work.

The blabbermouth

The blabbermouth goes on and on and on. She’s especially talented at roping you into long conversations that never end when you’re on deadline or trying to make a phone call.The solution: Be assertive, and don’t let the blabbermouth have so much power over how you spend your time. Speak up! Say, “Sorry, but I'm on deadline and I've got to finish something up.” If she still keeps going, be even more direct: “I need to stop talking and get back to work.”