I've had my fair share of annoying coworkers in the corporate world. All of them were harmless, but when you spend a big chunk of your working day with these people, they start getting to you. Why? Whatever we focus on expands and becomes our reality.
From a recent survey, I read that coworkers are getting more annoying. A study of 3000 people by Kickresume found that 85% of the respondents had dealt with an aggravating colleague, and 58% stated that it impacted their productivity. That's a very high percentage.
Pet Peeves
You'll have your 'pet peeves' and they may be completely different to mine, but here are my top ones
- Complaining all the time
- Playing the 'hero'
- Taking credit
- Being overly familiar with critical stakeholders
- Invading personal space
- Lunch stealing
The last one was particularly irritating, but I won't name the company because it's a Fortune 500 company. I bought some fresh orange juice in the morning and when it came to lunchtime; someone had 'helped' themselves to most of it. I never used the kitchen fridge after that experience. It wasn't a big deal but wasn't very pleasant then.
So, how do you deal with an annoying colleague?
1. Shift Your Focus
We all know that we get more of what we focus on. So, if you focus on problems, you'll get more problems. If you're constantly fixating on that one annoying habit, it'll drive you up the wall. Try redirecting your attention to your work, take a walk, and focus on the positive aspects of your job. It's not easy, but it's a game-changer.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
Sometimes, you've got to spell it out. If someone's constantly invading your space or interrupting your flow, it might be time to raise it with them. I'd recommend doing it face-to-face rather than via email. Why? You might lose the impact via email. When you do speak with them, be polite but firm. If you feel your manager might be a better option, let them know beforehand.
3. Kill 'Em With Kindness
This might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. Sometimes, annoying behaviour stems from insecurity or a need for attention. Try being exceptionally kind and supportive, but don't exaggerate either. Why? It might just disarm them and change the dynamic. Don't forget to be kind to yourself as well.
4. Document Serious Issues
Start keeping a record if we're discussing more than irritating habits — like taking credit for your work or lunch theft. You don't need to go complete detective, but having some proof can be crucial if you need to escalate things.
5. Consider a Perspective Shift
This one's tricky but powerful. Try to understand where they're coming from. Maybe that constant complainer is going through a rough patch at home. The overly familiar guy might be trying too hard to fit in. Understanding doesn't excuse the behaviour, but it might help you handle it better.
Imagine The Following
Sarah has been with GlobalTech Solutions for five years now. It was a decent gig — good pay, a nice view of the Thames from the 30th floor, and free snacks in the breakroom. But lately, her days have been getting increasingly frustrating.
Enter Mark, the new guy from marketing. Fresh out of some fancy business school full of buzzwords and "groundbreaking" ideas. At first, Sarah tried to be welcoming. After all, she remembered how nerve-wracking it was to be a newbie in a Fortune 500 giant.
But Mark… well, Mark was something else.
He had a knack for showing up at Sarah's desk when she was in the middle of something important. "Hey, Sarah! Got a sec?" he'd say, not waiting for an answer before launching into his spiel about his latest "game-changing" proposal.
Then there was the email situation. Mark seemed to believe that CC'ing the entire department — including the CEO — on every minor update was the key to career advancement. Sarah's inbox was drowning in threads about the colour scheme for the next team-building event.
The final straw came during the quarterly review meeting. Sarah had spent weeks preparing a presentation on improving customer retention. Mark's hand shot up as she wrapped up, feeling good about her ideas.
"Great stuff, Sarah," he began, and she knew what was coming. "But what if we pivoted to a more synergistic approach? I've got some thoughts…"
Mark repackaged Sarah's ideas for the next fifteen minutes with more jargon and hand gestures. And wouldn't you know it, the CEO seemed impressed.
As they filed out of the conference room, Sarah caught the eye of her colleague, Ade. He gave her a knowing look and a subtle eye roll. At least she wasn't alone in this.
"Fancy a pint after work?" Ade whispered. "Sounds like you could use one."
Sarah nodded gratefully. Maybe a bit of venting over a cold one was just what she needed. After all, tomorrow was another day in the corporate jungle, and she'd need all her patience to deal with Hurricane Mark.
As she packed up her things that evening, Sarah couldn't help but chuckle. In the grand scheme of things, an overeager colleague was a small price to pay for a job that put food on the table and kept a roof over her head. Still, she made a mental note to start her mornings with some meditation. She felt she'd need that extra zen to navigate the Mark-infested waters of GlobalTech Solutions.
Parting Comments
Dealing with annoying coworkers is part and parcel of corporate life. It's not always easy, but remember, you control how you react. Sarah could've let Mark's antics derail her career, but instead, she focused on her path. Who knows? Maybe Mark will mellow out with time, or Sarah will find a way to channel his enthusiasm into something productive.
The point is, don't let the small stuff overshadow the big picture. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep your eyes on your goals, maintain your professionalism, and who knows? You might look back one day and laugh about all those 'Marks' you encountered along the way. Stay focused, stay positive, and keep pushing forward. After all, that's what separates the high performers from the rest.
Thank you for your attention.
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