Difficult People in the Organization
The Sniper, Back Stabber
Everyone knows them. Somebody who uses sarcasm or humor to get public attention. Whenever you try to defend against “ the Sniper”, they play their trump, “Can’t you take a joke.”
- We discussed you are a bright young employee and you walk into a meeting 10 minutes late. “ The Sniper” says “ Nice of you to join us.” – not a curt snide. “Thank you” would work – Not Really. The Sniper will always win a snideness duel.
- Instead a retort like this – “you are right, I am late. And if you want meet after the meeting, I will discuss it with you. The Sniper probably won’t show! You’ve shown that you won’t be intimidated. – preys on confrontation.
- Real issue is not lateness, but attempt to make you feel like fool!
One of the first people you meet in an organization is “The Complainer.” Who is ready to tell you every thing wrong with the place. – This person gets whole departments “mad” at each other. Even though they may not know each other! “They destroy teamwork!”
- While someone try to ignore “The Complainer,” not paying attention is precisely the wrong approach.
- Most complainers find a listener as consent and intend to “nit pick” with vigor until or unless sharply interrupted.
- You must look them straight in the eye and say I don’t agree.
- Complainers skip about other people. Often with no basis. If Sally is gripping about Ruth, just say, “I know Ruth and I want to help you work out your trouble with her.” In going to walk down the hall, tell her what you said about her. Sally will be horrified!
The boss begins a shouting trade. The volume becomes unbearable. The answer – When the boss is an “Exploder” the restroom becomes one of the great refuges.
- Running to the restroom - Nobody is going to stop you! “Boss is too irrational to think you are faking it !!!
- Let the “Explosion” run down - if that doesn’t happen, try shouting at him/her – call him by name a couple of times.
You worked 3 weeks on researching and preparing a big presentation and at the end of it “Mr. Know It All” stand up and says, “My 15 years at this job tell me your facts are wrong.” The presenter Blanches, fidgets – but she knows she is right.
It is best to avoid “know it all.” But if possible, take their abuse and take credit for it. Once they hear you taking credit for their good advise—THEY WILL STOP GIVING ADVISE
Passive rarely offer ideas or opinions – and rarely take a stand!!! When the boss is passive, there is tremendous potential for trouble. They sometimes rise facts because they have not taken many risk and make no or few mistakes or enemies. You see a co-worker some money from the petty cash box, which happen to be one of your responsibilities. Auditors schedule to check the drawer in 2 days. You approach your boss Mr. Passive. He replies – What can be done. You say something to employee or I will. Not good idea – you are doing all the dirty work. Keep document or file on him Tell Mr. Passive that if he doesn’t act you will send memo to his boss. Some risk in going over Boss head. Document everything.