U.S. News & World Report published a funny
list of the top five attributes that make up a bad coworker. Read on:
- You delegate... late. Whether you're a boss or just another cubicler, nobody likes to have an assignment dumped on them late in the game. It will make people think you don't care, and that you're sloppy.
- You're a behind-the-back complainer. When you talk to everyone but the person you have a problem with, you're asking for trouble. First, said problem-causer will be angry when they find out (and they will). And second, when you confront a person directly, there's actually hope of solving the issue, or at least hearing their side of the story.
- You're a negative Nancy. Pointing out the flaws of every new suggestion or policy will only put people off, and it may have a boy-who-cried-wolf chaser, because when you really do hate something, no one will notice.
- You're full of TMI. There are two ways this can happen, and both will put you at odds with your coworkers. First, you might tell everyone way too much about your life. And second, you might take a bunch of loud personal calls at your desk, which the whole office can hear.
- You're super-defensive. If you can't handle criticism, or—worse—hear criticism when there's nothing there, people just won't want to talk to you.
On item I'd like to add to the list:
passive-aggressive break room notes.
Have you ever run into any of these problems? Is anything missing from the list?
Comments (3)
mmm... yup! Everyone has to stay on top on tip top toes around co-workers...
but how are policies supposed to be fixed if no one points out the weak points?
I read this on Yahoo the other day... I agree. I also think there is always going to be a few bad eggs in any large group setting.