Annoying Co-Worker

Indifference is associated with all aspects of life; the fact is we have to better equip ourselves for situations that test our ability, patience, and performance. The workplace harbors inevitable conflict with others, and those that we do not agree with have a tendency to rub numerous people negatively. For this blog, I will be discussing the "Annoying Co-Worker" and how my personal interactions have resulted in walking away from negative situations and not allowing the difference to harbor hostility within our facility.

We all have encountered that one individual that we simply cannot stand to be around in the work place. Whether it be on purpose or due to unforeseen circumstances, we all still must endure the agonizing pain of an annoying co-worker. The obvious question is, how do we handle these types of people and what are the best methods for a solution? In the article, How to Deal With Annoying Co-Workers, Allison Green expresses that there are six common types of nuisances in the work place. The interrupter, the know-it-all, the grump, the speakerphone lover, and the blabbermouth (Green, 2011).  She offers reasonable solutions to each type of individual and reasons as to why the method would be successful.  This article would be beneficial to those new to the working field and learning how to manage and control conflict. This article is generalized and offers a rough draft to build upon within each organization.

Overall, I found the article to be quite simplistic. Although I find Green’s descriptions to be adequate, I felt as though there were more common types in addition to her list. In my current work environment, we are in constant contact with the “victim”. This person creates a problem out of nothing and plays a victim. Most of Green’s descriptive solutions were to firmly but respectfully suggest or ask the one annoying to back off. With regards to more than one type, the author suggests the solution to simply ignore them or brush them off. I find this method to work only part of the time. Ignoring the problem or person could lead to an escalation in conflict that is highly unnecessary. Through my own personal experiences, ignoring the issue does not mean the issue is resolved, but rather push aside until a further day. I would have to agree that utilizing the speak your mind and state your case method, respectfully, will ultimately benefit both us and the co-worker. Due to differences in perspectives, there is no common solution to everyday problems because everyone is made to be different. Also the six common types may fluctuate, depending upon each individuals work environment.

According to Kreps, “Strategic interpersonal communicators learn how to manage the disclosure process, treat the information they learn about others confidentially, and develop trusting interpersonal relationships” (Kreps, 2011). I have a tendency to self-disclose too much and often times to those that are not ready to receive. This individual would pretend to be your friend and then dismiss you behind closed doors. Basically, the know-it-all could do no harm or wrong in the eyes of management. One afternoon, I witnessed a know-it-all, slacker, instigator attempting to step on the toes of a fellow employee in hopes of obtaining her position has a lead teacher. She would use the words of her fellow employees, cry to management and say that she felt bullied. In this particular case, brushing it off and ignoring her was the number one option. Eventually, she quit and there was less stress within the work place.

 By proactively reserving myself and information, I can gain true insight into others prior to disclosing to the annoying co-worker. Using Green’s advice, if I encounter a new employee that exhibits the qualities listed above, I will indeed “Let it roll right off your back” (Green, 2011). I will ignore this individual actions and focus on myself and idea that everyone has a story. Ultimately Kreps describes the importance of ethical relational communication in organizational life. It is important that when dealing with these individuals, we handle the situation with care, respect, honesty, and deference. By approaching these individuals with a plan, we can successfully redefine the “annoying employee.”

 

References:

Green, A. (2011). How to deal with annoying co-workers. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved from http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers

Kreps, G.L. (2011). Communication in organizations. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.