How To Deal With An Irritating Colleague

Question

Over the past few months, the behaviour of the guy who sits opposite me has really started to piss me off, and I am thinking of getting a new job as a result. What survival strategies can I adopt so that I can stay productive and motivated, and just survive having to work near this guy.

The individual in question rolls in about 9:50 each day (no questions asked), just when I'm getting into the zone, and proceeds for the next half-hour or so to distract anyone he can engage with his latest play station exploits and other tales from the weekend.

The rest of the time, I'm regularly interrupted with him talking, singing and whistling to himself as he goes about his development duties.

I've asked him to tone it down and even to shut up a few times, but it only works for a day or so. I've tried headphones, and use them regularly but why should I have to use them all the time? When I look around and see 1, 2, 3 or more other developers with headphones in, it seems to be a sign of a bad environment.

Last friday night I had to stay late to get my project back on track, and I did more in two hours without this ***hole than I had done more or less all day.

For the sake of my mental health, any constructive advice gratefully received.

Answer 1

This is one for your manager. Amongst other things, he's there to provide a productive environment for you to deliver. Don't make it a personal issue against this guy. He may not be aware that he's causing you disruption. But you need to indicate to your manager why you're not getting things done. Otherwise that'll come up in a future appraisal, when it's most likely too late.

If that fails (if he's not interested or ineffectual), then one for HR.

Answer 2

Go to your manager, and ask to sit in another room, If he is smart enough, he will understand why. The other option - if all the other people there feel the same - make an intervention - with everybody - to show him how everyone feels about his behavior.

Answer 3

Elbows from the top!

Answer 4

guillotine choke! if thats doesn't seem reasonable, get his desk moved!

Answer 5

Go and speak to your manager. Since it's not only you who is distracted - your whole team is suffering. Someone (boss) should know and do something about it. Just tell the truth - sounds simple and may help.