Black Collegian Career Center

Would your job be great if not for the people? Sure, co-workers can be frustrating at times. Anytime you spend significant amounts of time with people, there will be those who challenge your patience. You can either be upset or lighten up and view them with humor. Chances are they won't change much either way. So don't take them too seriously. You won't be as annoyed if you internally poke a little fun at them. Do any of the following sound familiar?

Amoebas - Remember when you studied amoebas in elementary science class? These primitive blobs moved about aimlessly, with no backbone or apparent sense of purpose. Similarly, amoebas at work seem to bumble through the day on autopilot, avoiding risks and challenges. Their contributions-along with their courage and creativity--are microscopic at best. The amoebas' wishy-washy tendencies can frustrate go-getters, who look forward to the day they slide on to a different department.

Chihuahuas - How can something so tiny be so annoying? Chihuahuas make up for their smallness with a lot of noise and "fingernail-on-the- chalkboard" persistence. Similarly, these feisty coworkers have no common sense when it comes to throwing their weight around - what little there is. They'll bark as if they have more stature than they really do. Deep down, Chihuahuas know they will always be small. It’s best to smile, pat them on the head gently, and walk away quickly.

Siskel & Eberts - Movie critics Siskel & Ebert were paid to offer their opinions, which were listened to and respected. It's not quite the same for Siskel & Eberts at work. These unappreciated critics pride themselves on finding inconsistencies and flaws where "no man has gone before." Trying to make things better is a foreign concept to these seasoned fault-finders. One day, they will look around and realize they have no fan club. And (if you're lucky) they'll take their show on the road elsewhere.

Marshmallows - Soft, fluffy, and lovable, marshmallows are lots of fun - but there's one problem. Although they look good in a cup of cocoa, they melt in the heat. Marshmallows at work aren't rude or aggressive. They are quite sweet really. Things just get a little sticky when they are under pressure or stress. If you have a marshmallow on your team, make sure there are others workers who can withstand the heat in their absence-and be sure to clean up the mess they make when they have their meltdown.

Phantoms of the Opera - Remember the two distinct faces of the Phantom of the Opera? One minute you saw one face; then—surprise - a totally different one appeared. In the work world, Phantoms of the Opera are commonly known as two-faced. In your presence, they will quickly express approval and agreement with your decisions or suggestions. But, as soon as you are out of sight, they scurry off to badmouth you unmercifully. To help the Phantoms save face, pretend you don't know about their ugly side. They won't be taken seriously for long anyway.

Olive Oyls - Popeye, Popeye, save me! Olive Oyl appeared to enjoy being the victim, didn't she? While she was flailing her arms about under the clutches of mean old Brutus, Popeye was close at hand ready to rescue the ditzy damsel - again. Olive Oyls at work routinely have one crisis or another from which they need to be whisked away. There's never a dull moment around them, but the never-ending neediness can soon wear and tear on you. Don't cast yourself in the role of rescuer, or you'll always be on call. And there's not enough spinach in the world for that job.

Human Matches - Human matches enjoy combustion and are always on the lookout for a thundering explosion. When co-workers are upset with one another, Human Matches like to fan the flames of conflict enthusiastically. Interestingly, they manage to walk away unscathed. Remember what your mother used to say: You can't play with fire without being burned eventually. Avoid playing with those who do.

Teflon People - Teflon is a great creation that has made life in the kitchen much more pleasant. Miraculously, nothing sticks to Teflon. Teflon people have the same uncanny characteristic. But they certainly don't make life more carefree in the workplace. Regardless of how badly they screw up, they manage to repel the blame quicker than you can point a finger. Nothing sticks to Teflon People. Be careful around these folks - so much is flying off of them you may get hurt.

Coping with quirky co-workers gets easier with practice. Mature professionals know they won’t ever get to work with a group of perfect people. Keep your cool, try a little secret humor, and make sure none of these labels ever apply to you.

Kathy Simmons is a Director of Claims and Administration in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a frequent contributor of career-related articles to a number of publications.