2017 Sep 21
If you’re just starting out in a Lankan workplace, you’re probably super enthusiastic about doing well. From experience, I can tell you that to succeed in your work place, you first need to understand your co-workers. Because let’s face it, you’re about to spend way more time with them than you want to. So, for the sake of making your life easier, I have come up with 6 work characters you’re better off preparing for in advance!
1. The Creepy One
More often than not, this particular villain happens to take the form of a man. However, just for the sake of not being sexist, let’s also acknowledge the possibility of it being a woman. Usually,this person will show great interest in you, desperately follow you around, try messaging you and after some time….. he will inquire if you’re currently in relationship. Word of advice, always say YES! Even if you’re single, use all the romantic movies you’ve ever watched to make up a partner. And if your job requires you to work late nights, trust me it can’t hurt to carry around some pepper spray.
2. The Super Competitive One
Once you start work, you’re very likely to run into a character who is obsessed with being the best. Now this person could either make your life a nightmare or… kind of interesting. Basically, on the one hand you have to deal with him/her giving you a scowl every time you do a good job and also, gloating when you make a mistake. However, on the bright side, it doesn’t hurt having some motivation to do your job well. Just make sure you don’t get caught up in the battles too much. Job satisfaction starts with fulfilling your passion. Not by constantly struggling to outperform your co-worker.
3. The Charismatic “Pani” One
Now this person is pretty pleasant to have around. On a hectic day at work, he/she will happily charm you by showing concern, making jokes and maybe even throwing in a few compliments. Also, don’t be surprised if you’re feeling a little under the weather and this person showers you with attention and care. Enjoy the pani one; they will make things interesting and happy. But make sure you don’t end up falling for Prince Charming as their charismatic ways might not be because they “like you like you”. It may just be in their nature to be like that with everyone.
4. The Always Badagini One
There will always be that one co-worker who eats like they have been fasting for a week. This person will be forever stocked with biscuits, chocolate bars, smarties and jujubes. If someone says “ada cake génawa!”, despite just having had breakfast, your hungry friend will be the first in line to grab a piece and then make a puppy dog face, hoping for another slice. Heaven help you if you’re on a diet and sitting next to this person! Because a week later you will be peer-pressured into following suit. The cruel irony is that this always-badagini one is usually deceptively skinny!
5. The Bossy One
Ah, the bossy people; often kind souls who are mistaken as control-freaks. With such co-workers around, expect to receive 10 e-mails as you wake up early in the morning, demanding whether you’re close to finishing your report. When you just sit down to have your lunch, the bossy one will almost never fail to call you just then. Even if you try to claim sanctuary in the bathroom, be ready to have 5 missed calls by the time you get back to your desk. Yes, yes it’s Hitler reborn in Lankan form. But let’s not loath this person. No matter the tyrannically perfectionist moments, they just do what they do because their passionate about work.
6. The Tea Lady
Most of us tend to under-estimate the role this crucial worker plays in our office lives. As Sri Lankans, it is a locally acknowledged truth that we adore tea. And if not for this wonderful lady, we would be deprived of the one thing that truly gets us through 8 hours of work! Hence, it is quite important to stay on her good side. Thankfully, she’s quite easy to please. As long as you never say “ada tea epa aunty”, it should be smooth sailing!
Here’s hoping that this guide to handling your office workers will ensure you get along with your team peacefully. After all, for the next 3-5 years, these people will be your family (Yes even the super competitive one. After all, she /he motivates you to keep the midnight oil burning!)
