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The colleagues you love to hate

Every office has one. The scapegoat. The hated one.

At mine, we’re blessed with two. One is just, shall we say, lazy. And incompetent. The other has no sense of personal space. You know what I’m talking about. Hovering over your shoulder, breathing practically into your face, slapping you on the back, somehow accidentally stepping on your foot as you converse in the hallway – even though you’re standing FACING each other.

It’s a little easier to deal with when everyone else is around. You roll your eyes, sigh and get on with it. But there are times when it’s just the two of you holding down the fort. Those are the days I dread.

I try to bite my lip and grit my teeth, but everytime colleague 1 calls my name, I want to scream. You know how little kids call out “Mu-um!!” in that whiney, demanding tone? That’s EXACTLY how he addresses me. Or maybe it’s not, and I’m just projecting my feelings onto him because it’s always followed up by a request to pawn bum work off onto me.

What are your tips for dealing with difficult workmates?

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4 thoughts on “The colleagues you love to hate

  • Reply Kara August 31, 2010 at 05:12

    With difficult coworkers, I try to say as little as possible, that way they’ll leave me alone faster. The same with regular customers at Job #2 who are easily provoked.

  • Reply me in millions August 31, 2010 at 09:19

    Punch them in the face… and then run. 😉

  • Reply The Everyday Minimalist September 2, 2010 at 12:04

    I take a deep breath, cool down, think: it isn’t personal, it’s their stuff being projected on me… and take a break.

    It’s the only way I can survive.

    I also say a lot less

  • Reply Revanche September 20, 2010 at 07:03

    Like EM: Say a whole lot less, and go to my mental happy place where they can’t get you. As one of my favorite bus drivers used to say every morning, don’t let nobody take your joy!

    You know, he’s right. It’s YOUR joy and it can be your choice to not allow someone take it from you. It’s definitely not easy but it can be, and the thought is incredibly empowering.

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