Coworker From Hell #4: The Slob

Workplace slobs can take a variety of forms. Some are just messy - with their work areas so deep with paper and paraphernalia that it would qualify for an archeology grant. Others are dirty, and the only reason the rats and cockroaches haven't moved in to eat the mountains of food scraps is that they're afraid of the dust bunnies and other unidentifiable things in residence. It could be a personal hygiene issue, including stained shirts, unwashed hair, killer breath or body odor.

Slobs, as a rule, aren't trying to drive you nuts. Most either don't realize the extent to which their behavior affects the people around them, or they just don't understand why a change their behavior might be important. Yes, occasionally they just don't care - but that is rare.

If you find yourself with a workplace slob, and you just can't take it any more, here's an approach you might want to try:

Step 1
Begin by acknowledging how awkward the topic is, eg: "John, this is really awkward, and I'm not really sure how to tell you, but..." or, "Lucy, there's something I think you may want to know, and it's kind of awkward."

Step 2
Explain the situation by presenting it in terms of their needs. So, for example, instead of saying something like, "All that clutter in our workspace is starting to get on my nerves," you may want to say something like: "I'm a little concerned about the clutter in our workspace. People are going to get the wrong impression - that you don't care about what you do..."

Step 3
Reaffirm your respect for him. Let him know that, while you may have found something in his behavior that can be corrected, it hasn't lessened your opinion of him. For example: "I know you care about the quality of your work - but other people don't know you as well as I do."

The benefit of this process is that, if you do it right, you can address potentially sensitive issues in such a way that minimizes the potential for offending or alienating people.

Good luck!

---

About the Author:
Shaun Belding is the author of the best-selling 'Winning with the... from Hell' series, as well as the 2010 release 'Win At Work: Navigate the nasties, get things done and get ahead". Visit http://www.beldingskills.com/winning-at-work.htm to sign up for a FREE subscription to Shaun's Winning at Work! newsletter.

Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Tags: workplace , business , coworker , bad coworker

|

Recent Workplace-Communication Articles

• Office Storage Products Based Upon Office Space By: jon | May 28th 2012 - In the present business climate many organisations may find themselves in smaller sized offices compared to what they desire. The expense of moving to larger work place or high rents ...
Tags: office storage solutions
• Cubicles: Why Have Them In Your Business Office By: Christine Parksons | May 25th 2012 - Business owners, from time to time, feel the need to re-organize their workplace to ensure that it is encouraging for their staffs while maintaining the order. If you are one of the ...
Tags: cubicles, workstations
• Working With Others! By: Mandie Crawford | May 24th 2012 - People feel respected when they feel they are heard. Listening without interrupting is a fundamental rule of active listening. Often, this can be tough when we feel strongly in our o ...
Tags: roaring women, business partner, helping others helps
• Iphone 4s For The Businessmen By: jessies sims | May 23rd 2012 - There are many new apps that claim to be the best for the iPhone 4S, but which apps are a must have for businessmen on the move. Below we list the top business apps such as OmniFocus ...
Tags: iPhone 4S, iPhone 4S for Businessmen
• Storage Ideas By: masere12 | May 22nd 2012 - Everyone one or more times during his life wondered about where he can keep different documents, garments and also other important stuff free from danger and neatly. The best solutio ...
Tags: staff lockers
• How Smart Policies Can Help Your Company Make The Most Of Internet, Email And Social Media. By: Matt Crumble | May 21st 2012 - Internet, email and social media technologies can act as a great tool for businesses, but they can also expose your organisation to unnecessary risks and vulnerabilities. Smart compa ...
Tags: HR documents, HR policies, Human resources policies,
• Managing The Conflict Between Dress Policy And Personal Beliefs At Work By: Matt Crumble | May 21st 2012 - The conflict between workplace appearance policies and religious beliefs has become a talking point in the national media in recent years, but what does the law say about the obligat ...
Tags: personal appearance policies, appearance policies,
• An Employers' Guide To The Extra Jubilee Bank Holiday By: Matt Crumble | May 21st 2012 - The announcement of an extra Jubilee bank holiday may have led to headaches for small business owners across the country, but it's important to know that, in many cases, employees ar ...
Tags: Bank Holidays, extra statutory holidays,
• Extend Your Video Conference Out Of The Board Room By: Mark SJ | May 19th 2012 - Extend your existing investment in video conferencing out of the meeting room to your employees at home and on the road as well as to your customers.
  
  Enhance your exist ...
Tags: video conference, video experience, video service, mobile video
• Why Renting Plastic Packing Crates Is The Best Solution For A Business Move Or Reorganisation By: Beant Bajwa | May 18th 2012 - Whether its a complete relocation or a temporary internal move, when a business is faced with the need to move its staff, the practicalities of moving all the related office effec ...
Tags: crate hire, crate washing, crate rental

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!