by Susan Roark

Created on: July 03, 2007   Last Updated: May 07, 2009

The more annoying co-worker: The tattletale or the gossip

The tattletale and the gossip are two of the worst types of people to have to work with and if they happen to be your supervisor, you might want to look for a different job.

If I had to choose one, it would be hands-down the person who spends their life gossiping. The person who gossips is the worst because they can and usually are the most hurtful of the two people to work with. The gossip I have found. usually has a sad and unfulfilled life of their own and must use a little fact and a lot of fiction about others to give themselves purpose. The gossip does not have any remorse in carrying gossip from one person to the next and when caught in the web just lies their way out of it by pretending to be a true, caring friend. The gossip is talented, for you are not even aware that they are picking your brain for usable information. They take the information that you so trustingly give to them and start the cycle of gossip.

When dealing with a gossip you must never tell them anything at all about yourself or others. If you do make the colossal mistake of confiding, be aware for you will be tomorrow's hot topic of the workplace . I have worked with some gossips that actually drive around towns to see who has what new vehicle. Check to see who is at what bar and or at who's house. The gossip will read every newspaper so that they can gain a tidbit of information on someone so that the gossip can keep on going.

Remember you are dealing with a very crafty person, and they never hesitate to walk over anyone that they feel is trying to take away their power. Be careful and cunning when dealing with the gossip.

The best way to deal with this type of person is to confront them on the very first occasion that they gossip, and let them know that you will not tolerate their behavior. I pray for these people also because I do realize that they are not happy people and perhaps if more people took a stand and told them that their behavior was unacceptable, then maybe they would stop. I believe that the person has an addiction and that addiction is trying to gain attention anyway that they can. By belittling other people, these types of people feel superior, which when in fact they are the exact opposite. They are inferior. Another thing to remember is that this person is a brown-nosers.

The good news is that the wheel is always turning, and it will come back around to these people and catch them in their own web.

Learn more about this author, Susan Roark.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.