SLACKERS
Slackers seem to fall into two categories: Obvious Loafers and Sneaky Slackers. Obvious Loafers are easy to identify. They can be found lingering in the break room, openly surfing the net, or parked in someone’s cubicle for a lengthy chat (which proves that slacking off can be contagious). Sneaky Slackers are harder to spot. They may find legitimate reasons to leave the office, then take time to run lengthy errands. Or to avoid tasks they don’t like, they spend unnecessary hours on work that they prefer. And they only web surf or make personal calls when no one is around. Both types often take excessive “mental health days”.
SPACE CADETS
Space Cadets frequently seem to be thinking of something else. Regardless of the topic being discussed, they are usually on a different wavelength. They make seemingly off-the-wall comments in meetings and may start discussions in the middle of a thought. Others often aren’t sure how their comments relate to the subject at hand. They may come up with ideas that, at least on the surface, seem rather impractical. Space Cadets are usually genial people who have little interest in power or control.
POWER GRABBERS
Power Grabbers tend to get into power struggles with their bosses. So they often act like they’re managing you, instead of the other way around. These are the folks who just naturally take over a meeting or quickly step into the lead role on a project. They like for people to know about their accomplishments, so titles, perks, and public recognition are important to them. Because they don’t like to be “managed’, they may resist direction or ignore your instructions. Their career goals always involve promotion.
LONERS
Loners are quite easy to spot. Just look for an employee who prefers to spend the day working on the computer and talking to no one, who never wants to attend conferences or workshops, and who eats lunch alone while reading the newspaper. Don’t bother to search for them in meetings, because they look for any excuse to duck out.
DRAMA QUEENS (or KINGS)
Drama queens thrive on excitement and attention, so spotting them is easy. You can hardly miss them! For Drama Queens, a calm, peaceful workday is just not very rewarding, so they try to spice things up with dramatic pronouncements, juicy gossip, ominous rumors, personal traumas, or emotional breakdowns. When talking with others, they are expressive and animated. You never have to ask how a Drama Queen is feeling, because you can tell simply by looking at them. More subdued coworkers find Drama Queens exhausting and try to avoid them. Managers can expect Drama Queen employees to drop by frequently to share their latest family crisis or coworker conflict.
CHALLENGERS
Challengers are programmed to be oppositional. When presented with a proposal, suggestion, directive, or idea, they automatically point out flaws, obstacles, and potential problems. Challengers are not at all reluctant to disagree with the boss. In fact, they rather enjoy challenging management, because they feel it establishes their independence. They resent authority and never show respect just because the person has a title. Challengers relish debates and don’t care if their views are unpopular. In meetings, they often get into heated discussions with coworkers and adamantly hold to their positions. The Challenger’s focus is on winning the argument, not resolving the problem.
CLINGERS
The main characteristic of Clingers is dependence. They like clear instructions, ongoing communication, and frequent positive reinforcement. They tend to be uncomfortable making independent decisions, because they are afraid of doing the wrong thing. They will therefore ask for information and clarification until they feel completely certain about what is expected. Clingers are reluctant to express disagreement because they fear making others angry and losing their support. As a result, they sometimes withhold their opinions or harbor resentments that they never express. Because Clingers are loyal, conscientious, and eager to please, managers usually view them as reliable and helpful. But these employees will not realize their full potential unless the manager encourages independence.
Have ever encountered and dealt with this kind of persons? Share your experience.
Difficult Coworkers - How Would You Deal With Them?
Originally Posted by angel_brey
Reply With Quote
Posting Permissions
