The types of colleagues Singaporeans have at work

The One Who Doesn’t Know ANYTHING

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1/7

She asks you the same questions over and over again – so much that you start to wonder if she’s suffering from anterograde amnesia. And she manages to make it sound like she’s being told brand new information. Every. Single. Time.

How to deal with them: Have everything in writing, so you can ask her to refer to your previous email.

The One Who Can’t Read The Mood

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2/7

You’re busy because your boss just pushed a last-minute assignment to you, but she just has to push your buttons. She would ask you repetitive, inane question just to rile you up and cry victim when you finally lose your patience.

How to deal with them: If your office allows it, put on your earphones to block her out as you work. Alternatively, tell her (politely) that you're rushing out something for the boss and ask to be left alone.

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The One Who Pretends She’s Busy But Is Actually Slacking Off

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3/7

She is always busy doing stuff, but you know that half the time, she’s on Facebook or TikTok and the other half, she’s surfing random websites that are not related to anything she’s working on. When you ask her for help, she says “I’m busy” and quickly changes the tab.

How to deal with them: This is tricky because she's not obliged to help you in the first place. But if it's a group project and she hasn't gotten her things done, then it's best to flag it up then. Don't say things like "Is it because you're on TikTok?" but "Are you working on anything that is more important? Maybe we could speak to the boss to discuss priorities."

The Two-Faced Bootlicker

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4/7

She pretends to be on chummy terms with the boss, but attacks the boss in the most vicious way during lunch. She never passes up an opportunity to badmouth the boss, but in front of the latter, she’s a star worker who does everything she is asked of without complaints.

How to deal with them: There's no other way around this then to ignore. You can't badmouth her to the boss because it reflects badly on you. Just beware of what you tell them because who knows, she might just badmouth you to the boss instead.

The One Who Steals Credits

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5/7

She asks you for ideas, and then goes up to the boss and say “I found out that…” or “I came up with this solution…” without giving you proper credit. She also asks you for ideas and claims she’s “putting everything together” but present them as her own. When “her idea” is well-received? Of course she laps up all the praises.

How to deal with them: If it happens in a group discussion, don't be afraid to interject and point out that it's your idea. Credit must be given when it's due.

The One Who Takes Everything Personally

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6/7

She takes everything personally, whether it’s a casual remark or joke. She takes offense at everything and you start to wonder why she’s so sensitive. If you point out her mistake, she would think you’re not happy with her and start telling tales.

How to deal with them: Keep things professional and factual. Don't pepper your feedback with your opinions or jokes.

The One Who Makes Herself Sound Important

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7/7

Everything is about her. She made things happen, whether it’s a project or a proposal. If something succeeds, it’s because of her. If something goes wrong, it’s because the person who handled that part of the project didn’t do a good job. And it’s always about her achievements, never about her failures.

How to deal with them: If they're not stealing your credit, leave them be. If they're taking credit for your hard work, don't be afraid to call them out.

This article was first published in Cleo.