Brief Summary
This video discusses how to deal with difficult colleagues at work. The speaker, Amy Gallo, identifies eight archetypes of difficult colleagues and provides advice on how to handle each type. She highlights three particularly challenging archetypes: the passive-aggressive peer, the insecure boss, and the tormentor. The video emphasizes that understanding the underlying reasons for their behavior can help you manage the situation effectively.
- Identify eight archetypes of difficult colleagues.
- Provide advice on how to handle each type.
- Emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for their behavior.
Introduction
The video begins by highlighting the prevalence of difficult colleagues in the workplace. It emphasizes the negative impact these interactions can have on mental health and career progression. The speaker, Amy Gallo, introduces herself and her book, "Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone, Even Difficult People," which aims to provide practical advice for dealing with challenging colleagues.
Meet Amy Gallo
Amy Gallo, co-host of the Harvard Business Review's Women at Work podcast, explains her motivation for writing her book. She wanted to provide specific guidance for dealing with various types of difficult colleagues. She identified eight archetypes based on research on common behavioral patterns.
The 8 archetypes for difficult colleagues
Amy Gallo presents the eight archetypes of difficult colleagues: the insecure boss, the pessimist, the victim, the passive-aggressive peer, the know-it-all, the tormentor, the biased coworker, and the political operator. She explains that categorizing these behaviors into archetypes helps individuals understand the specific advice needed to address each situation.
The Passive Aggressive Peer
The passive-aggressive peer is described as someone who says one thing but does another, often exhibiting anger without directly expressing it. The speaker uses the character Bill Lumbergh from "Office Space" as an example. She emphasizes that passive-aggressive behavior is often rooted in fear of failure, rejection, or conflict. The key to dealing with this archetype is to understand their underlying anxieties and encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings more directly.
The Insecure Boss
The insecure boss is characterized by micromanagement and a tendency to make employees question their abilities. The speaker uses Michael Scott from "The Office" as an example. She suggests acknowledging the boss's strengths and expressing appreciation for their contributions to build a more positive relationship.
The Tormentor
The tormentor is described as someone who undermines others, often under the guise of mentorship. The speaker uses Darth Vader as an example. This archetype can significantly damage an individual's career and self-esteem. The key to dealing with a tormentor is to show that you are invested in their success and focus on their goals, avoiding confrontation or threats.
Conclusion
The video concludes by emphasizing that while you cannot control how others behave, you can control your own reactions and behavior. The speaker encourages viewers to reflect on their own contributions to the dynamic and understand the underlying reasons for their colleagues' behavior. This self-reflection will help them choose effective tactics to improve the relationship and alter the dynamic.
