Capture Real-World Career Insight & Advice That Will Prep You for The Big Time

Presented by Spherion

Ask Seymour

Ask Seymour
Get your career-related questions answered.
Post a question

”My

My Campus Chronicles
Our college blog dedicated to helping students prepare for life outside of college.

Survival Guide: Dealing with Toxic Coworkers

We've all had 'em...the coworker who is angry with the world, never satisfied and does their best to be a pain in everyone's neck.

Some articles refer to these "team members" as toxic. I like to refer to them as bottlenecks. The reason? Usually, productivity is delayed or stopped all together because their attitude causes an inability to work as a team member or contribute to projects in a useful manner. Not to mention their actions can contribute to depleting morale.

So what do you to counter these co-workers?

Start by realizing that some people are just unhappy and will do anything to bring others down with them. It's hard to do, but don't let their poor disposition and attitude bog you down with them.

There is also the possibility of avoiding contact all together, but this could prove difficult if you are placed on the same team as the offending co-worker. If this is the case, remember to tread lightly and don't antagonize the situation.

If all else fails, and this colleague continues to intrude on your work environment and morale, then consider speaking with a supervisor or HR. It's hard when you feel like you are reporting or "tattling" on a co-worker, but more than likely this person is affecting others too.

In the end, stay positive and try "killing them with kindness".

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.spherioncareerblog.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/2111

Post a comment

Send to a Friend

E-mail this entry to:


Your e-mail address:


Message (optional):


Seymour's INSIDER

Sign up to receive the monthly Seymour's INSIDER CareerReport and/or JobReport, along with other industry newsletters and job-seeker articles.

Sign up

My Temp Life

The nightmarish temp job ... we've all had them. Now you can relive every awkward, cringing moment with My Temporary Life, Spherion's original Web series based upon YOUR worst temping stories.