In an interview with Psychology Today, New York-based clinician Maria Baratta said that when most people complain about their colleagues, it’s because the colleague actually reminds the complainer of a family member.
“For example, the coworker who eats your lunch or constantly borrows your pen and never returns it might be reminiscent of your brother or the bossy coworker who corrects everything you say might be your mum or the grumpy manager might be your dad.”
The Clinician recommends that if you find yourself in such a situation, as yourself why a colleagues certain behavior drives you mad, and try to figure out what aspect of your coworkers behavior might be triggering such an intense reaction. For example, a micro-managing boss might remind you of your mother.
There you have it. Perhaps Debbie from Payroll actually just reminds you of your gossipy sister, and it isn’t Debbie who annoys you at all!
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