The workplace is like a battlefield – with less of the blood and gore, and more of the mind games. Dealing with different kinds of people can challenge your professionalism. How do you handle people with different work ethics than yours? With two cents’ worth from Rarejob employeesa, here are some people you should avoid and some ways to deal with them.
The Mercenary
The Mercenary thinks about money all the time. Your new coworker is likely to be a Mercenary, especially if he/she has had previous work experience. The Mercenary has a tendency to quit the job in a few months’ time.
Trigger: getting their first salary, petsa de peligrob
Support by: Money-Devaluation spells (Try David Baldacci’s “There’s more to life than money” Spell.), give them self-fulfilling tasks
Buffsc: better conversations beyond money and salary, more productive and fulfilling task completion, greater dedication to job
The Negatron
The Negatron is the pessimist who often complains. Instead of being proactive, the Negatron is often reactive. Incapable of seeing the bright side of the situation, the Negatron has difficulty coming up with solutions to problems.
Trigger: unprecedented tasks, no credit for any task done
Support by: change topic, focus on solutions, and promote a proactive lifestyle and outlook
Spells: “The proactive approach to a mistake is to acknowledge it instantly, correct and learn from it.” (Steven Covey), “Forget what we became; focus on what we’re capable of becoming.” (Aniekee Tochukwu Ezekiel)
Buffs: more productive meetings, positive vibes
The Stubborn
The Stubborn likes arguments and can be close-minded at times. However, the Stubborn is not always the villain. At times, the Stubborn can be outcast for his/her non-conformist ways and it’s important to read the Stubborn carefully. There will be times he/she will let a project lag behind to linger on trivial details; but there will also be times he/she will let a project lag behind to push for trying an out-of-the-box idea.
Trigger: dead air, new projects
Support by: positive phrasing when scrutinizing their idea, careful perusal of their idea, well-facilitated meetings which are time bound to help them exercise quick decision makings
Buffs: more productive meetings, personal and professional growth
The Entitled
The Entitled can sometimes be the office bully or just another senior employee who is not very open to criticism. Though oftentimes older and more experienced, the Entitled sometimes have the tendency to throw a tantrum by escalating small issues to the supervisor, acting like a snotty know-it-all, and looking down and telling off juniors for trivial matters.
Trigger: no credit for any task done, better juniors
Support by: modulated voice and positive phrasing as they are oftentimes older after all
Buffs: more amicable work relationship
The Dawdler
The Dawdler tends to do tasks at his/her own pace, which is oftentimes slower than the majority of the workplace. Realistically speaking, employees have the right and discretion on how they use their break times. Surfing the net or scrolling through social media posts are common in the workplace, and everyone’s guilty of it. The difference between those people and the Dawdler is that the latter tends to work extra hours just to finish a task.
Trigger: feeling of overwork, the Micromanager, demotivation, work dissatisfaction
Support by: Motivational spells, creative tasks, brainstorming activities, monitor but be supportive – don’t make them feel like they’re micromanaged
Buffs: productivity, work satisfaction, personal and professional growth in the part of the Dawdler
The Passive
The Passive may be mistaken for the Introvert. However, unlike the Introvert, the Passive is unreliable even in small groups. The Passive doesn’t take initiative nor actively participate in meetings in either small or big groups.
Trigger: big groups and new crowds, too much free time in their hands
Support by: Chance Card, let them volunteer, give them an opportunity to be a leader
Buffs: productivity, professional growth in the part of the Passive
The Freeloader
The Freeloader is used to getting things handed to him on a silver platter, sometimes even unwittingly. The Passive has the tendency to also be the Freeloader.
Trigger: new tasks
Support by: Chance Card, let them work at their own pace, give them more opportunities to exercise critical thinking or public speaking
Buffs: personal and professional growth
But remember, support is not a one-cast action-reaction. Some buffs may take time to take effect. Make sure to be patient. That’s a true skill.
a based on current and previous work experience
ba few days before pay day
c effect of your support
References
Bradberry, Travis. (22 October 2015). 10 Toxic People You Should Avoid in the Office. Retrieved from: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/251974
Conlan, Catherine. (n.d.) 6 People You Shouldn’t Get Close To At Work. Retrieved from: https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/do-not-get-close-to-these-people-at-work
Oliver, Dana. (28 January 2016). 8 Toxic People You Should Avoid To Be Happy At Work. Huffington Post. Retrieved from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/people-to-avoid-at-work-happiness_us_5669ea9be4b009377b24613c
(n.d.) 3 Types Of People You Should Avoid At Work. Retrieved from: http://www.tdjakes.com/posts/3-types-of-people-you-should-avoid-at-work
Rennie Palada
Rennie once won a sword in a writing contest. She wants to relive that exhilarating feeling of other people appreciating what she does by trying her darndest to keep writing. She has pictures of the VSauce boys and All Might and Deku (Boku no Hero Academia) on her desk to keep her motivated.
