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Office colleagues we love to hate

Last updated on: August 06, 2009 
The Procrastinators

The Laid-back type, the Lame Excuse Maker, the Office Romeo, the Negativist, the Laggard and the Workplace Bully have inflicted almost every office with their behaviour.

Here, we take a look at the some of the most common offenders. 

The Procrastinators
They are the busiest of all. The shirkers and the perfectionists may also find a place here.

How to identify them

What makes them do everything tomorrow?

Making a change

If this is you, get into 'just do it' mode.

Hone your skills or train the offender on the relevant job skills to enable him/her to complete the task on time.

Enjoy some sound sleep at home, revive your energies for the next day.

Identify your most productive office hours and do the tasks needing maximum concentration during that time. Don't let distractions get to you.

Keep some breathing space or a 'play hour' in your or your team's schedule.

The Whiners

Last updated on: August 06, 2009 
The Whiners

They're always cribbing about work pressure, even during informal chats. It takes the greatest effort to manage these guys!

How to identify them

Why do they whine about everything?

Making a change

The Office Bullies

Last updated on: August 06, 2009 
The Office Bullies

They're always stomping around, making their presence felt particularly in the presence of the shy or meek.

How to identify them

What makes them bully colleagues?

Making a change

The Gatekeepers

Last updated on: August 06, 2009 
The Gatekeepers

The information and knowledge withholders, they don't let even the required information out.

How to identify them

What makes them withhold knowledge?

Making a change

The Meeting Stretchers

Last updated on: August 06, 2009 
The Meeting Stretchers

They love to extend meetings, using them as an opportunity to waste time.

How to identify them

What makes them extend meetings?

Making a change

The Naysayers

Last updated on: August 06, 2009 
The Naysayers

They love to say 'No' to everything, no matter how simple or important the task.

How to identify them

What makes them say no?

Making a change

The Office Romeo (Juliet)

Last updated on: August 06, 2009 
The Office Romeo (Juliet)

They'll shower the object(s) of their affection with all their attention, be super-appreciative of their efforts and always be hanging around waiting to be called on for assistance.

How to identify them

What makes them indulge in office romances?

Making a change

The Social Butterflies

Last updated on: August 06, 2009 
The Social Butterflies

They'll jam your Inbox with pictures of cute babies, inane jokes, chain mail and any other e-mail you can think of. It'll be difficult to find them not chatting on their cells phone or furiously typing out SMSes.

How to identify them

What makes them so over-sociable?

Making a change

The Credit Stealers

Last updated on: August 06, 2009 
The Credit Stealers

They love to snatch appreciation for the work you do.

How to identify them

What makes them steal credit?

Making a change

The Busy Bees

Last updated on: August 06, 2009 
The Busy Bees

They love to work overtime, but you're not quite sure why.

How to identify them

What makes them stay late?

Making a change