What's it all about?
Let's be honest, wherever you work, there is always at least one person who you can't stand. Let's call them Bob. There are many Bobs in the workplace. You need to know what to look out for and how to deal with them.
Just in case any of my current colleagues are reading this, there isn't a Bob where we work, so stop trying to work out if it is you or not. That brings me to a point actually, there is a chance that you, the reader, could be a Bob. If it is you, or you wonder if it could be you, keep reading, you might learn something.
Miserable Bob
This Bob enjoys being miserable (that's an oxymoron if I've ever seen one). They like to moan all the time and bring everyone else down with them. Misery loves company after all. You need to steer clear of this Bob, be polite, don't engage them in their misery sessions and take what they say with a pinch of salt.
Centre of attention Bob
Come on, you know who I'm talking about here, this Bob thinks the world revolves around them. They are loud and obnoxious and want all eyes on them. Give them a bit of the attention they crave, it is easier that way, but don't waste too long on them. Put your headphones in, get your head down and carry on working.
Teacher's pet Bob
This Bob is annoying. They are always wanting to please their boss and impress their colleagues. Why is that annoying I hear you ask? It's because they never let up. They'll go to great lengths to make themselves look good and sometimes even try to make others look bad. You need to look out for this Bob. Don't let them make you look bad, but don't get drawn in and try to make them look bad. Just be yourself and in some ways take notes on how they manage to make themselves look good, you may be able to learn a bit from these ones, but don't take it too far, you could easily turn into this Bob.
Control freak Bob
You know this Bob. They love the power and have to micromanage every one and every thing. No idea is good enough unless it is their own. You can deal with these Bobs by making them think something is their idea, leave out something obvious and coach them to pointing it out. That way they will think they have had an input and would be more likely to run with the idea.
Conclusion
The moral of this story is to not let your colleagues get to you. You need to rise above it and concentrate on your own work and career. Don't get dragged down. If you are one of these Bobs, have a think how you are coming across. Would you like to work with a Bob like you? It's not to late, you can change, or at least improve.
Hang on a minute, could I be one of these Bobs? They say it takes one to know one.