Are You A Difficult Colleague? Here’s How You Can Identify And Learn To Handle

We all know how important it is to have a good working relationship with our colleague(s).

They are fundamental to our engagement, performance, and happiness at work.?

People who have good friends at work enjoy better performance and well-being.

The opposite of it is also true. When you have a toxic coworker, your performance, team culture, and the likelihood of staying in that job all suffer.

According to research, there are 8 types of difficult co-workers. Let’s see how many of us think we are good coworkers but fit in the given types and how to handle a difficult coworker.

1. The Insecure One

Do you often micro-manage or struggle to make decisions??

Try to build their confidence by expressing appreciation or reinforcing their sense of control.

1. The Pessimist

Are you the one who always comes up with the worst-case scenario?

Use their critical viewpoint as a gift that helps them spot risks for the group and focus on what can be done to prevent the outcome they are predicting.

1. The Victim

A fellow friend of the pessimists, do you feel like the world is out to get you??

Try to provide positive reinforcement by helping them see the path to achieving their goals.

1. The Passive-Aggressive Peer

Not very forthcoming about what you really think, are you??

Try and be direct with them. “Hey, you haven’t been responding to my emails. All okay?”?

1. The Know-It-All

You have answers to everything, even to questions that aren’t directed to you.

Politely but proactively preempt their interruptions. “Please hold any comments until I’m done,” “I’m really not looking for another viewpoint”.

1. The Tormentor

I’ve endured suffering to get to the top, why shouldn’t you??

Acknowledging and appreciating the sacrifices they’ve made and focusing on shared goals are the two best ways for dealing with this.

1. The Biased Co-Worker

Look at how she does it. You are always lacking.

You may counter bias or call out their acts of exclusion by being direct about their toxic comments.?

1. The Political Operator

It is highly advised not to get dragged into ruthless competition with a sharp-elbowed colleague.?

However, make sure you get credit for your work.

Hey, aren’t you like number 5 and he like number 6? Let’s stop it right here!

This post is not to be judgemental about anyone else and just to look out for yourself. Remember, it takes no or little effort to disturb, but a lot of effort to maintain harmony and peace.