How to deal with annoying workmates

{{Below is a list of some annoying workmates and how to handle them:}}

{{The gossiper}}

Gossip can sometimes be juicy or unnecessary.

You know that type of person that is always whispering in others’ ears, asking too many questions, stalking everyone on their social media, the person you can go to whenever you need information on someone. That is the gossiper and if it is you honey, please stop!

This person not only invades privacy but also spreads rumors that can affect people’s lives.

I know this woman whose workmates call Njajwete, a nickname derived from the Kinyarwanda word ‘Injajwa’, someone who gossips too much.

How to deal with them is simple. Avoid talking to them that much. Little they know about you, the better. Besides, avoid them at all cost whenever they try to bring gossip to you.

{{The suck-up }}

The suck-up also known as ‘Kiss ass’ is the type of person who is constantly trying to get on the good side of the boss or manager. This person would do anything and everything to get noticed and will always compliment every move of the boss for their own advantage.

Now, I know we all know that person and I know we’re all annoyed at some point by this type of behavior.

They remind me of those kids in school that used to suck up to teachers, asking for homework, always putting their hands up, volunteering to clean the board just to be the teacher’s favorite, annoying really.

The thing you could do is exceed the expectations of your boss and ignore the suck up. Unlike suck ups, you should get recognised for your hard work not words.

{{The Know-it-all }}

This is the kind of conceited person who claims to know everything.

Recently, I was talking to friends of mine who was describing her co-worker as a know-it-all, the one that thinks she/he is above other workers and can tell them how to do their jobs.

“You should do this and that” “I prefer it to be done this way”, the type that never fails to remind new employees how much he knows about the business.

Ignoring them, can often be difficult since they’re constantly over people’s heads.

Confronting them is more effective, try calling the person’s bluff with other facts that call into question the know-it-all’s overreaching expertise.

{{The loud talker }}

Talking is one thing but being loud especially in the morning can throw some uncaffeinated people off the grid.

A loud talker can either be the funny guy of the office or the most annoying guy of the office, when you’re lucky he is funny.

I remember a guy I used to work with, so boringly loud, the type to spit random facts that no one really cares about. At first, I would respond to his talks which would only encourage him to speak even more. It was dreadful.

What did I do? I canceled him out. The more you talk to them the more they feel they should talk even more loudly.

If they are constantly trying to find something to talk about, show little to no interest.

{{The constant socializer}}

We all like social people, but sometimes it can get out of hand.

Sometimes people are just introverts, they don’t like over socializing or even socializing at all.

It becomes annoying when a co-worker overdoes it even when it is obvious that your social meter has run out.

The constant socializer is always up for anything, always trying to get you to do something with them, trying to make plans even though they get in the way of work.

The best way for introverts to deal with this type of person is to say less and ignore more. Make less time for them and only allow conversations when needed.

Overall, when different people meet at the same place, their characters, personality and individuality can get in the way and might sometimes be annoying. The best way to deal with all sorts of people is professionalism, consideration and understanding their intentions.