You probably think this blog is about working with cute little five to 10-year olds. Not! I’m talking about the grown-up versions that you find all around you in the office, workplace, plant, factory, or wherever you get your paycheck. People tend to grow up physically, but there are some that never quite make the emotional transition from child to adult. These children in adult bodies can make life miserable for the grown-ups at work who have to deal with and work with them every day.
1. The Cry-Babies. They come in all versions, from the tears and sobbing to soft whimpering and whining. One of my staff used to cry if you gave her feedback she didn’t like or if her leave requests were denied. She would shed tears, sob and go through a box of tissues to get her way. Some cry-babies just bring up their displeasure over and over again, whining and complaining. The best thing to do is let them cry it out. If the answer is no, crying to get your way is never a good tactic or reason to give in. For the whiners, listen and then repeat your reason for saying no. They’ll get the message.
2. The Bullies. Bullies should never be tolerated. Unfortunately, some bullying goes on too long because no one is willing to stand up to them or report them to HR. Bullies often cross the line of harassment or discrimination, and find they’re out the door. If you’re the boss, take a hard line and follow policy, no matter what level of employee.
3. The Know-It-Alls. These people may be very smart, but the child know-it-alls use their superior knowledge to embarrass or put other people down. They enjoy pointing out other people’s mistakes in public at some vain attempt to make them look smarter. To diffuse them, put them on your team, or partner up for your next project or report. They certainly won’t point out mistakes on a project they contributed to. Or, instead of showing displeasure when they correct your calculations or spelling, just say a hearty thank you and move on.
4. The Snipers. These child-workers are sneaky. They hide and take shots. They start rumors, blind-copy sensitive emails and try to stay in the shadows. They are really cowards who have some hidden agenda or are just mad at the world. The way to handle snipers is to call them out. They don’t like the sunlight. If a sniper makes a derogatory remark in a meeting or conversation, say something like, “That remark sounded like an insult to my honesty. Is that what you meant?” Once the sniper can’t hide in the shadows, they will stop bothering you or look for another target.
5. The Tattle-Tales. Tattle-tales usually take things out of context, blow things out of proportion and then go past the offender up the ladder to a manager. Their motive is to get someone in trouble--not to solve the problem. They are uncomfortable with conflict, so they get someone else to handle it for them. They’re like third-party snipers and should be handled the same way. Confront them and set them straight.
6. The Princes and Princesses. They think the world revolves around them. They think everyone works for them, and their wish is somehow supposed to be your command. They need a dose of reality. This is not Wonderland or the Magic Kingdom. They may be the king and queen of their little world but not at work. But watch out. They can turn into the Wicked Witch or Evil Wizard when crossed.
So, which one are you?
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