How to Avoid Being One of the Most Annoying Coworkers

Most workplaces have annoying coworkers, like the Limelight Hog, who declares (s)he deserves acknowledgment for other’s efforts or the Wet blanket, who denounces the ideas of other team members, among others who make collaboration difficult. Here are some of these professionals whose irksome behaviors and tiresome attitudes present a barrier to forming productive work relationships and what steps should be taken to avoid becoming an annoying coworker.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A Positive Attitude
• An Open mind
• Willingness to be a team player

1. The Limelight Hog. According to this attention hunter, (s)he is the only person who matters and is constantly trying to take full credit for collaborative efforts and make an impact on upper management. There has never been a good idea this person hasn’t tried to claim.
   The better route: Instead of working to alienate others, triumph by being a team player. Be sure to thank everyone who helped you when receiving praise.
2. The Wet Blanket. No idea has ever escaped criticism by this objector. Brainstorming sessions, where all ideas are to be contemplated with an open mind, are just a larger forum to immediately scoff at any proposal that challenging the conventional.
   The better route: Hold back comments and conclusions, until suitable, as diverse opinions are a great way to find solutions and when delivering criticism or alternative views, be respectful and constructive.
3. The Obsessive Emailer. This “reply all” obsessed worker chokes colleagues' already-overflowing inboxes with superfluous messages, marking even the most pointless missives as "high priority" with huge attachments that crash the unsuspecting addressees’ computers.
   The better route: As many exchanges are better suited for quick phone calls or in-person discussions, email should not be used as your default mode of communication. Besides, if you send fewer emails, the less you're likely to receive.
4. The Catchphrase Speaker. (S)he will forgo intelligibility to exhibit clichéd business terms and his/her expansive vocabulary. Jumbling messages is this unproductive talker’s trademark .
   The better route: Stick to direct, concrete statements and focus on being clear and diminishing confusion. Rephrase what you’re saying plainly if you get the impression your message is not getting through.
5. The Barger. When not entering your work space to appeal for immediate help, the Barger is noisily typing on a laptop, on a cell phone, or introducing off-topic side conversations.
   The better route: Contending demands and unyielding deadlines shouldn’t trump basic civility so watch your manners so you can build healthy work relationships.

Tips & Warnings

• The best route: Treat others as you want them to treat you and never abandon common politeness.
• It can be pretty easy to spot the qualities that make individuals irksome, especially when that behavior is displayed by others. It is a bit more challenging to recognize when you are that individual. Though you may not be a full-blown annoying coworker, be careful to avoid the habits that can make you so.