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.

Communication Tactics

"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."

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

"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."

<ul><li>The Narcissus – someone with an over-developed sense of entitlement, who is self-centered, condescending, and attention-seeking.</li><li>The Venus Flytrap – someone who is over-dramatic and inconsistent in reaction, and keeps everyone on edge.</li><li>The Swindler – someone who comes across as “slick” and manipulative.</li><li>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.</li><li>The Distracted – someone who is constantly focused on everything else but their work, and who struggles with procrastination.</li></ul>

Types of Schmucks (1)

<ul><li>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).</li><li>The Lost – someone who exhibits memory loss, loss of language or even judgement skills.</li><li>The Robotic – someone who appears unemotional or hard to read and just can’t connect with others.</li><li>The Eccentric – someone who has difficulty relating to others because of their own view of the world, one which others may find odd.</li><li>The Suspicious – someone who is constantly feeling that there is a conspiracy against them and alienates others via paranoia.</li></ul>

Types of Schmucks (2)

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.

Do Something

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.

Communication Is Key

"Everyone has a "schmuck" in their office--a difficult, disruptive person who upsets the workplace, confuses their co-workers and causes concern. No one is safe from a schmuck. They come in many sizes and shapes, such as: - Narcissus--the self-centered, condescending, attention-seeking peacock who tramples on others - The Flytrap--the bringer of chaos who can flip from angry to happy in an instant creating an office maelstrom - The Bean Counter--the orderly perfectionist who never gives up control even when it's full-steam-ahead to disaster - The Robot--the inflexible stone wall who is incapable of adapting, even in the face of much-needed change Sound like anyone you know? These are just a few of the more prominent schmucks. In her new book, Dr. Jody Foster explains the entire spectrum of schmucks, how they can decrease productivity, and generally make everyone else unhappy. After delineating the various types of schmucks, she looks at personality traits and explains how interactions among coworkers can become maladaptive leading to workplace disasters. She helps readers understand the schmuck as a person, figure out how to help him or her, and effect a positive solution. Dr. Foster also helps readers understand the most difficult thing of all: sometime you are the "schmuck." Let Dr. Jody Foster show you how to help the schmuck, know if you are the schmuck, and make your workplace a happy and productive one"--

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"This is a timely must-read for managers and anyone who has ever had to deal with a difficult coworker; it addresses a ubiquitous problem in a proactive, positive manner that should get the desired results." - Publishers Weekly Everyone has a “schmuck” in their office---a difficult, disruptive person who upsets the workplace, confuses coworkers, and causes concern. It’s hard to understand why schmucks act the way they do, but one thing is certain---they seem to come in all shapes and sizes. . . . - Narcissus---the condescending attention-seeker who carelessly steps on everyone’s toes - The Flytrap---the bringer of chaos whose emotional instability causes an office maelstrom - The Bean Counter---the orderly perfectionist who never gives up control, even when it’s full-steam-ahead to disaster - The Robot---the unreadable stone wall who just can’t connect Sound like anyone you know? These are just a few of the more prominent types of difficult people at work. In The Schmuck in My Office, Dr. Jody Foster explains the entire spectrum of people we may think of as schmucks, how they can decrease productivity, destroy teams, and generally make everyone else unhappy. Along with nailing down the various types, she looks at personality traits and explains how dysfunctional interactions among coworkers can lead to workplace fiascos. She helps readers understand schmucks as people, figure out how to work with them, and ultimately solve workplace problems. She also makes readers consider the most difficult thing of all: despite where your finger may be pointing, sometimes you are the “schmuck”! Let Dr. Foster teach you how to make your workplace a happier and more productive one.

JODY FOSTER, MICHELLE JOY

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