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JODY FOSTER, MICHELLE JOY

"It’s easy to get angry and label someone a jerk or a schmuck. It’s much harder to try to understand the underpinnings of why he or she approaches the situation that way."

JODY FOSTER, MICHELLE JOY

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565 reads

Types of Schmucks (1)

Types of Schmucks (1)

  • The Narcissus – someone with an over-developed sense of entitlement, who is self-centered, condescending, and attention-seeking.
  • The Venus Flytrap – someone who is over-dramatic and inconsistent in reaction, and keeps everyone on edge.
  • The Swindler – someone who comes across as “slick” and manipulative.
  • The Bean Counter – someone who is so obsessed with order or perfection to such a degree that they cannot handle not being in total control.
  • The Distracted – someone who is constantly focused on everything else but their work, and who struggles with procrastination.

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312 reads

Types of Schmucks (2)

Types of Schmucks (2)

  • Hyde – someone who has a completely different personality and one that is the opposite of their usual behavior (similar to an addict in that respect).
  • The Lost – someone who exhibits memory loss, loss of language or even judgement skills.
  • The Robotic – someone who appears unemotional or hard to read and just can’t connect with others.
  • The Eccentric – someone who has difficulty relating to others because of their own view of the world, one which others may find odd.
  • The Suspicious – someone who is constantly feeling that there is a conspiracy against them and alienates others via paranoia.

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228 reads

JODY FOSTER, MICHELLE JOY

"Avoiding a pattern of behavior will not cause it to magically disappear but will instead allow it to fester."

JODY FOSTER, MICHELLE JOY

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264 reads

Do Something

Do Something

If the disruptive behavior is serious and dangerous, then immediate action is critical, whereas if the behavior is of a less-serious nature (even merely inconvenient or unpleasant) a more moderate action is appropriate.

The key is confronting the offending behavior and working towards a solution. The behavior is what needs to change, and the focus needs to be on that instead of the individual.

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191 reads

JODY FOSTER, MICHELLE JOY

"Workplace relationships are just another type of relationship between people, and they need to be built on openness and communication. We need to be honest with ourselves and with each other."

JODY FOSTER, MICHELLE JOY

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220 reads

Communication Is Key

Communication Is Key

Regardless of which type of disruptive behavior you are seeing, the critical element is clear and consistent communication.

This may be done upfront with expectations laid out and standards of conduct that are clearly defined, in a way that no one can claim they were not aware, and as such can have no excuses.

Other suggestions include direct conversations with a focus on the behavior and the resulting impact, not only on the business but on all parties.

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174 reads

Communication Tactics

Communication Tactics

Tactics include everything from simple conversations, casual coffee meetings, and discussions, to the more formalized documented meetings with managers and HR, to even medical/psychiatric interactions depending upon the magnitude of the workplace issue.

For some, the direct approach is welcome, and for others it may only fan the flames and increase the tension. Regardless, effective communication, either in verbal or written form, solidifies the need to be clear for all parties to be successful.

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aeaston

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