Sometimes, forces outside your control can completely torpedo your chances of getting work done. Forces like, for example, other people. I’m fairly sure that when Sartre wrote “Hell is other people,” he wasn’t thinking of your obnoxious graphic design client or the cousin who wants you to do his taxes for free. When I write “hell is other people,” on the other hand, that’s exactly who I’m thinking of.
So, let’s meet five types of people who can be hell on your productivity:
The Nitpicker
In the right situation, the nitpicker can help you out. This is the person you want proofreading your copy before it goes to press, or putting the beta version of your app through its paces. In the early stages of any project, though, nitpickers can kill an idea with alarming speed. A great concept can become completely bogged down in a discussion of hypothetical details and future problems, well before it makes sense to start talking about them. Ouch.
The Naysayer
Whether he’s telling you that your latest project is a waste of time, or eagerly explaining why your entire profession is useless, the naysayer will never help you out. Nothing you’re doing is important to him, and there’s no point in asking him for help with the details, because he thinks your whole enterprise is ridiculous. The Naysayer isn’t necessarily a horrible person or a bad friend, he’s just a horrible person and a bad friend to talk to about work. One conversation with him can put you off your game for an entire day.
The Freeloader
If you’re good enough at something to get paid for doing it, you’ll inevitably meet someone who wants you to do it for them … for free. Whatever your profession, Freeloaders are basically inescapable. It could be a buddy who wants you to mock up a website on spec, an ex who wants free software, or the sister who wants you to fix her computer. This stuff takes time away from your paying work (or your exciting side project), and puts you in the awkward position of either giving away tons of useful time or looking like a jerk. The only way to deal with Freeloaders is by learning how to say no.
The Email Trainwreck
The popularity of Inbox Zero is a testament to the way we’ve increasingly come to view our inboxes as black holes of time and effort. Sometimes you’re the victim of your own organizational problems, and sometimes … well, some people are just bad at email. The Email Trainwreck is the guy who accidentally hits “reply all,” and then follows up with a message apologizing for hitting “reply all.” She’s one-word-email-girl. He’s the dude who abuses your inbox when text or IM would be faster. Heck, the Email Trainwreck could be your grandmother, forwarding you some conservative political humor. These people are the reason I turned off badges and alerts for new email.
The Ãœber-competitor
Sometimes, a little bit of competition is healthy, even between people working on the same thing. Being around people who constantly strive to put out good work can be excellent motivation to do your own best work. The Ãœber-competitor isn’t about healthy competition. This person doesn’t want to do her best work, she just wants to do better than you. This is obviously less than ideal when you’re supposed to be working together. Ãœber-competitors have been known to hold back key information you need to do your work, or talk to clients or bosses behind your back, all in the name of beating everyone at everything.
Ideally, you would just avoid all five of these people, and deal with them only in situations that engage their positive traits — even annoying people can have an upside! — but I know that’s not always possible. At least you can be secure in knowing that you’re not the only one dealing with people who seem hell-bent on making work difficult.
I’d love to hear your stories (or your nominations for other productivity-killing personality types) in the comments!
Jay is a freelance writer based in Seattle, WA. He blogs about software for Download Squad and contributes interviews to The Morning News, among others. You can also find him on Twitter.
Photo credit – shearforce
