Why is there at least one trouble maker at the office?

Question

I've noticed this to be true at any given office environment. There seems to be a person who is not satisfied unless they're causing some kind of discord in the group. Backstabbing, lies, rumors.... it's insane. How do you deal with these individuals.?

Answer 1

I am so glad you asked this question. This is a topic of discussion at my small office.. "why does there always seem to be that one person!!".
I think there are various reasons, but a few things i see in common with most of these people are:
Lonely - eat lunch alone, arent ever chatting with friends.
Don't have life/activity outside of work.
In the same position for a long time (and they don't make an effort to move up), more or less very content with having their own fiefdom and small bit of control over one aspect of the work place.
Seem to be very insecure and think people have an unrealistic "agenda" against them (i.e. one guy was our office supplies manager and thought everyone was stealing the scissors; Mean office lady in my office now thinks others are stealing her stamps so she keeps them in a mini vault.)

In essence I think they are very sad and disturbed people. They are so overwhelmed and with the work environment and can't socialize normally. They are the type of people who don't have anything better to do with their life. Giving other people hell and bad attitude is their hobby.

I feel sorry for them, but I don't have to take their crap. I try and look at their behavior as an extreme on the spectrum and use their actions as examples for me to keep myself in check. Otherwise, I try to be amused by them.

Answer 2

No matter where you work, whether it be a Fortune 500 company or a Mom and Pop store, there are always gossips or troublemakers. If everyone take what they say with a grain of salt, it shouldnt be causing much trouble. I personally like to call them on it when something is said. I confront. It usually makes this kind of person uncomfortable and more likely to watch what they say next time.

Answer 3

You cannot escape the fact that in every work environment there exists such an individual. I wonder how they managed to go through the work screening program for employment. As much as possible I try to behave properly and professionally. Ignore and avoid situations that might lead to confrontation with the undesirable individual and report any misconduct to supervisors in charge.

Answer 4

Remember when that type of person was in your class at school... snitching on fellow classmates to the teacher, writing notes or spreading rumors? Well, they got bigger and now they are in your office. Unfortunately, they will always live among us, so the best thing to do is avoid them.

Answer 5

There is one trouble maker in every crowd. This is the person who has such a boring life that they have to create chaos where ever they are so they "have a life" Feel sorry for them.....it takes the wind out of their sails!

Answer 6

There always will be people who are jealous, envious, hurtful and full of negative vibes. Keep your cool and don't go tick for tack in the office politics. One can get easily drawn in if one is not careful enough.

Answer 7

Ignoring works best when dealing with idiots.

Answer 8

If you didn't have someone like that, it sure would be boring there, wouldn't it?

Either you ignore it, or choose up which side you want to be on. I vote for ignoring it.

Answer 9

Just ignore the gossip. Be polite, nod, smile, then just walk away.

Answer 10

Watch the 'Office". We're everywhere!