Whenever you bring together a bunch of people, there is a jumble of different personalities. Some of them exist together harmoniously, but there are always a few outliers. The workplace is no exception. In addition to people with whom you can easily get along, you will also find some annoying co-workers. What sets the workplace apart from many other settings is that everyone—even those who are the most difficult—must cooperate in order to be productive
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The Chatterbox
Let’s start with your most sociable co-worker. The chatterbox usually means well. S/he is friendly and wants to share all thoughts (every last one of them) with you. S/he isn’t trying cause harm to anyone…her incessant talking is just keeping you from concentrating on your work. Here are some things you can do to quiet down your talkative co-worker so you can get your job done.
Don’t risk insulting your colleague by telling hIm/her to be quiet. Instead, put the blame on yourself. Tell the person you have trouble concentrating while you are listening to the very engaging stories but you would love to hear them at some other time. Just not while you’re working. Then, if you truly enjoy the company, have lunch with him/her once a week (less often if that’s too much for you).
2. The Gossip
The gossip seems to know everything about everyone and he wants to share it.
Should you listen to what your busybody colleague has to say? It depends on the nature of the information. If you have the opportunity to hear useful news that may not make it through more formal information channels in your workplace, then you should pay attention, but do it with a cynical ear. The problem with gossip is that it carries both elements of truth and fiction.
However, if the news being shared is of a very personal nature, for example, he starts telling you about another co-worker’s marital problems change the subject or say you don’t feel right discussing someone behind his back. Avoid conveying any information he shares with you with others because then you run the risk of becoming a gossip too.
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