Mimi Koranteng sheds some light - and offers some lighthearted advice - on how to deal with the different personalities in your workplace

The work environment brings you into contact with many different personality types. While there may be some differences, certain traits seem to be consistent from workplace to workplace. Here, we take a closer and comical look at some of the personalities that seem to exist in almost every work environment

The  Overachiever

This one seems to have done everything, hasn’t he? From being among the top in his class, to being one of the few selected to go for some conference, he makes you feel like you have accomplished virtually nothing in life. Ten minutes into a conversation with him and you just want to find a paper bag to cover your head with. He usually rises to leadership positions quite fast and when facing problems with his subordinates, what better example is there than his distinguished self?

Do not be intimidated. There are stories of people who were not the best in class, but were able to employ the smartest person in their class to work for them. We all have our strengths and weaknesses; identify yours and see how you can capitalize on your strengths so you too can shine like the star you were made to be

The  Fearo

The fearo is scared to death of criticisms of any kind. Being caught up in any kind of heat is nothing short of a nightmare to her. She probably feels the same way you do about most things, but will rarely voice it out. In the “unfortunate” event that she gets in trouble, she will sing like a canary about who did what.

This is very simple. If you know you cannot say or do it in front of your boss, do not say it in front of her, because it is more or less the same thing. Watch your interaction with her because her level of fear is usually contagious

Deviant Danny

This guy cuts meetings, comes in when he wants, and basically does what he likes. The thing is, aside from the MD, no one dares tell him anything. Most people are either afraid, or just leave him alone. Why hasn’t he been sacked? You ask. This is because almost no-one in the office works as hard as he does. He forms part of a special breed of human beings who have the ability to work abnormally long hours while continuing to stay in good health. Instead of the normal 8 hours a day, he usually works 11. Coming to work on weekends is normal to him. So even though he breaks a lot of rules, the company is aware that it is going to be hard to find someone as willing and able as he is to put in the long hours. With regards to physical appearance, he is usually thin and bald (or balding) but stays fit as a horse.

Do not be tempted!! Unless you form part of that special breed, continue being the law-abiding employee you are. He can work for 60 hours a week instead of the normal 40, but let us face facts; 3 weeks of that kind of work and you would probably develop a heart problem of some sort (or more conveniently, fake one).

The  New Boss in Town

This lady has worked under people like forever and most likely hated it. When it is her turn to manage someone, she turns into a nag. The first thing she does is to take your number so she can set her timer whenever you leave her side and call you if you have not returned after 5 minutes. She wishes to control every aspect or your life and is usually undecided with regards to whether she wants to be regarded as your sister or your mother. In working with such a person, the feeling of suffocation is common.

If you have the displeasure of working with our sister or mother here (depending on what she feels is her role at a particular point in time), it is most likely that you are a newbie in the job industry. Just be patient and roll with the punches. It is something almost everyone has gone through.

I will end with some advice that has worked for me over the years, if you are faced with certain uncontrollable circumstances, remember that what you have control over is yourself; so change your reaction to the situation so it does not bother you anymore.