Panache

Any workplace is a space where people from different backgrounds, values, and ethics come and work together. They already have assigned objectives to achieve or work towards. However, sometimes, we have to deal with certain personalities and their behavioral traits that make it hard to do that.

Here are some toxic personalities you may have found at your workplace and some easy tips to deal with them.

Also Read: 8 types of people you must stay away from.

The Narcissist

These are the most common ones whom you might have come across in your workplace. You need to understand that narcissism has a wide spectrum. And people’s behavior can fall anywhere on that spectrum. A few notable traits among these people are selfish behavior and apathy.

You will also find that they have a strong belief that they are better than anyone around them. Taking credit for your work and gaslighting you in multiple ways can also be some attributes of people dealing with narcissism. They will never take any accountability for their actions and may belittle you for anything that you do.

The only way to stay away from the toxic energy of a narcissist is to maintain little contact with them. And when you communicate, you only do that with utmost care and assertiveness. Building and maintaining boundaries with such people also helps in dealing with them. If you are gaslighted by them, try not to take things personally. Instead, try to counter-act objectively.

Also read: 10 Ways to save yourself from gaslighting.

The Controller

The Controllers are the type of personalities who come across as the know-it-alls. They are extremely intense and will boss you around whether they are in a position of power or not. They will be little you and your achievements and will deny your accomplishments to the extent of gaslighting you.

If you find them in authoritative roles, make sure that you communicate clearly. One of their many weaknesses is they come across as aggressive when they have to be assertive. In such cases, try to understand their motives, instead of taking things at face value.

With such personalities, try not to take things personally as they might be from a place of insecurity. Be sure about the jobs that they have. And they should only worry about their duties.

The Drama Magnet

A drama magnet is a kind of person who would find themselves in a dramatic situation. These personalities would know everything about everyone in the workplace. They are the perfect gossip mongers, and drama follows them wherever they go. You may often find them in the middle of any disputes. These are attention seekers. And tends to create conflict where they would find none.

The only way to maintain your distance from such people is not to get yourself involved in any dramatic conflict. But sometimes, you are not even aware of the situation and are pulled into it. In such cases, try to remain silent. Listen objectively and bring facts to the table instead of reacting.

If parties behave emotionally, remove yourself from the equation and let them boil down first. Active listening and mapping out the intentions of the people involved can be another effective way to get yourself out of dramatic situations unscathed. But make sure that you keep your stance neutral.

The Energy Vampire

Have you ever found yourself anxious and worried at your workplace? It could be because of your colleague who is an Energy Vampire. These are the types of people who feed on the bothered reactions of people. They would often spread false rumors about a promotion or salary and would enjoy the panic spread around them.

These are the ones who are never found at their desks. Instead, they will be found around the coffee machine, the water cooler, or restrooms. They complain, dominate, and interrupt the conversations. These are the ones who are quick at shifting blame and avoiding responsibilities.

The only solution for such energy vampires is to maintain clear boundaries. You can also try minimizing the interaction with them. Try to show some nonverbal cues that you are not interested in the gossip; like standing up from your desk or changing the topic instantly. You can also try creating emotional and mental boundaries for everything they say. Since they are feeding on your negative energy, try not to give them the anxious reactions that they are looking for.  

The Compulsive Liar

The compulsive liars at your workplace are the ones who tell white lies to your face. They constantly spread misinformation, will gaslight you, or manipulate you into believing what they are saying. Certain ways you can identify these liars are that they will contradict what they said a few minutes ago. Or some of the things that they claim cannot be verified.

Showing fake emotions and becoming defensive on further questioning are other traits in such people. They may have difficulty maintaining relationships.

To save yourself from such negative people, try to identify them. Their body language and inconsistencies in stories or conversations give the secret away. Maintaining boundaries is the best way to deal with these people. When confronted with them, try to calmly communicate and assure them of a trusting environment to open them and induce self-reflection.

The Green Eyed

These are the ones who will never clap for you. They get jealous of every promotion or appreciation that anyone receives at the workplace. They never feel good about other people’s happiness. They will often minimize others to make themselves feel good. In the confrontation, they might play a victim.

To not let them get the best of you, try to stay away from such people. When triggered, they may cause harm to your career. Be aware of their behavior and accept that they will get jealous no matter what. Try to focus on your own achievements and positive aspects.

If you are compelled to work with them, make sure that you maintain a professional relationship with them with positive intent.

What kind of toxic people have you come across with at your workplace? And how did you deal with them? Please let us know.

Also Read: 8 ways to protect yourself from the toxicity around you.

Also Read: Understanding Betrayal and how to recover from it.

Also Read: Are you a Yes Person? Learn 5 ways to say “No”.