Tag Archives: co-worker

Are You a Broom, Waffler or Butterfly? The 10 Worst Roles to Play on a Team

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shutterstock_18113221There are a number of roles that individuals typically play on teams, many of which are positive. For example, positive team roles may be to encourage, to stimulate outside-of-the-box thinking, to facilitate clear communication, to broker compromise between team members, to keep the team organized and on track, to summarize key decisions or problems, and to keep morale high.

Unfortunately, some team roles can be destructive and selfish, so much so that they cut into the team’s effectiveness. Below are the 10 most destructive, selfish, and negative team roles to avoid:

•    Steamroller: Tries to dominate or constantly interrupts teammates.

•    Show Off: Thinks he or she knows all the answers. Brags about and exaggerates his or her team contributions and accomplishments.

•    Waffler: Can’t make a decision.

•    Butterfly: Keeps changing the topic and focus before others are ready.

•    Aggressor: Doesn’t show respect to teammates. Comments negatively about them. Dominates to get his or her way.

•    Broom: Sweeps unpleasant task or team relationship problems under a rug.

•    Critic: Sees the negative side to any argument but doesn’t suggest alternatives. Puts down others’ ideas.

•    Victim/Martyr: Looks for sympathy from others.

•    Self-Confessor: Uses the team as a forum for sharing inappropriate personal information.

•    Clown: Uses humor too much or inappropriately.

For more information on how to be an effective team player, check out our Pinterest board, “Being a Team Player: 50 Tips” at: http://pinterest.com/drlaurahills/being-a-team-player-50-tips/ — Dr. Laura Hills, Blue Pencil Institute, www.bluepencilinstitute.com

What to Do If You’re the Target of Workplace Bullying: 10 Strategies

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shutterstock_44424985 (2)An eye roll, a glare, a dismissive snort, a nasty remark, a joke at someone’s expense — these are some the subtle tactics of the workplace bully. Such behaviors may not sound like much by themselves. However, that is precisely why they are so insidious and why workplace bullying is so much more common than many people realize.

If you believe that you are the target of bullying:

  1. Recognize and admit to yourself that you are being bullied and that you don’t deserve to be bullied.
  1. Recognize that you’re not the source of the problem. Bullying is about control. You didn’t cause the bullying.
  1. Keep a detailed diary to chronicle each bullying incident. List the date, time, place, exactly what happened or what was said by whom, and who was present.
  1. Collect evidence. Keep copies of bullying notes, emails, text messages, or other documents. Take photographs of property or equipment that was destroyed or tampered with by the bully.
  1. Keep copies of documents that contradict the bully’s accusations against you (time sheets, reports, etc.).
  1. Don’t remain silent. Doing so allows the bully to continue to intimidate you. If you don’t say something, the bullying may get worse.
  1. Report the bullying behavior to the appropriate person in your workplace, either your supervisor or another designated individual. Present the facts from your diary, documents you’ve collected, and lists of witnesses to the bullying.
  1. Don’t confront the bully by yourself. If the decision is made for you to confront the bully, ask your supervisor or another person to approach the person with you.
  1. Expect the bully to deny your accusations. Let the facts speak for you.
  1. Follow formal procedures if informal efforts are not effective. Make a detailed written complaint to your employer as per your workplace’s grievance policy.

Unfortunately, many targets of bullying feel helpless and don’t realize that it’s possible to take action, or what action to take.  Share this information with your colleagues and commit to making your workplace one that’s bully-free. – Dr. Laura Hills, President, Blue Pencil Institute, www.bluepencilinstitute.com