Using so-called management speak, including
‘thinking outside the box, ‘let’s touch base’ and ‘going forward’
is almost certain to wind up colleagues.
But it’s arriving late for meetings that tops a list of bugbears
that make up the ‘nightmare colleague’, according to the Institute
of Leadership and Management (ILM).
Tardy colleagues are closely followed in irritation-value by messy
ones, who leave dirty bowls or plates on their
desks.
The office gossip also gets the thumbs down, along with those who
discuss confidential work matters openly.
And while you might think that you’ve made a heroic effort to get
into work despite your stinking cold, your colleagues are unlikely
to agree. Those who come into the office when they should have
stayed in bed actually exasperate fellow
workers.
Unnecessary emails or ones that are sent when you sit directly
opposite someone are also likely to make colleagues want to
scream. That’s alongside leaving a mobile phone on loud and
taking regular cigarette breaks.
Workers typically spend more time with colleagues than friends or
family, so it’s not surprising that after a while habits started to
grate.
Top traits of a nightmare
colleague
1. Arrives late for meetings
2. Leaves dirty bowls and plates on their desk after lunch
3. Gossips about other workers
4. Discusses confidential work matters openly
5. Sends you an email when they’re sitting directly opposite
6. Leaves their mobile phone on loud
7. Takes regular cigarette breaks
8. Comes into work sick when they should have stayed in bed
9. Brings their children into the office
"When office-based teams work in close proximity for
long periods of time, we see that seemingly trivial issues can grow
disproportionately, if left unchecked, and begin to cause upset and
resentment," said Charles Elvin, chief executive of the
ILM.
The tea-break is a particular a source of tension
between teams and their manager, as more than a quarter of bosses
reveal they have never got a round in for their
team.
Office clothing also creates friction, as a similar
number of managers have had to reprimand staff for inappropriate
clothing, including attire that’s too revealing and flip
flops.
However, the survey also revealed it doesn’t take
much to brighten the work day. Birthday cake is ranked as the top
pick-me-up, followed by free tea and coffee.
Simple gestures also mean a lot. Receiving a 'thank
you' when a job is well done means the most to UK workers, along
with team mates who take the time to say hello and goodbye each
day.
Yahoo News
