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Recommended reading: Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers & Other Office Idiots
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Bad bosses aren’t the only ones who will drive you mad on the job. As Vicky Oliver so aptly writes, there are also “crazy coworkers and other office idiots.”
In a recent interview with Oliver, author of “Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers & Other Office Idiots,” offered advice for dealing with coworkers. (Note: I highly recommend everyone who reads my column to buy this book. Gen Y is easily offended by other people’s behaviors, and Oliver lets you know when you are overreacting – or under-reacting – to a situation.)
1. Don't let their insanity destroy your equilibrium. Is your cubicle mate a snitch? Or worse, a credit snatcher? Look at the bright side. Instead of taking a colleague's actions personally, recognize that her bad behavior is her problem, and eventually, she'll be routed out with no assistance on your end.
2. Don't be a lone ranger. Work in one of those offices where chatter matters? Join the gang. Lone rangers may be heroic on TV, but in real life, the team generally prevails. Particularly in the early part of your career, strive hard to be a good team player. If people like having you around, you'll be around a lot longer.
3. Those who gossip to you will gossip about you. The office gossip is often lively, an antidote to the workday that yawns before you. But, if you're smart, you'll treat her with polite disinterest. You don't want to become her next rumor download.
4. Criticism always stings. You never realized that your voice carries or that your cell phone ring tone annoys everyone around you. But evidently, you've been destroying Ms. Workaholic's concentration for weeks. Her face turns an unattractive shade of eggplant as she rails about how inconsiderate you are. First off, be sure to quickly apologize – and find a new, less offensive ring tone for your cell phone. Then, get back to work ASAP. Recognize that you have gained valuable feedback, even if it feels unpalatable. Everyone hates to be criticized, so you are not alone!
5. Some problems are best solved outside the workplace. Blame it on the fluorescent lights and the stale candy bars in the vending machine. If you're having a problem with a particular coworker, the best way to solve it is often at a local restaurant or watering hole after hours.
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