Slow monotonous talkers. People who only talk about themselves or moan endlessly about how tough life is. These guys are boring.

And you might be a nice guy but you're not getting paid to listen.

But if you show them your true feelings or give them short shrift, they won't like you. So, it's tough to be liked in all circumstances by everybody.

And I haven't even mentioned the bad tempered demons.

When I worked in an office there were always a few people whom everyone hated and who hated everyone else. And when I say everyone I mean everyone. Even the goody-goody hated these people (though she would never admit it).

* * * * * *

Alas, the list of ways to be unlikable often seems infinite. But to a different person, the list of ways to be likable is infinite :)

–Penelope

How about taking EVERYTHING personally and turning it all into a mini-drama? This is the best way I've found that co-workers quickly develop a hatred for each other.

Another way is don't be consistent with your participation in team activities. Participate in some, but not all, and don't ever explain yourself, just show up when you feel like it.

One other way I've seen used, and that as a manager can really irk me, is taking advantage of time off policies meant to improve balance. If PTO is a right, and you can call in at the last minute, doing so can turn your team on you f-a-s-t!

Last one I'll share is expecting that seniority is the ONLY way to distribute the goods, or acting like seniority isn't important, until YOU get to that senior position and then becoming that person who uses seniority to your advantage.

Very insightful article! I read it at Yahoo! and I subscribe to your blog, so it's fun to see both halves. Well done!

It surprises me that you consider yourself fit to give advices. Your first comment makes you sound like an immature twenty-year-old. You do not sound professional; you're the type of person that I would hang out with at work but not listen to. You did a good job explaining each point, but your article is biased and one dimensional. You expressed your views without using any research findings for support. You should have already realized that in order to gain credibility, you need to do more than just stating opinions. As a therapist, I can say with confidence that your interpretations cannot be generalized across situations. What you said can be applied to only some cases. You need to be aware of the fact that everybody is different. This means that two people may behave the same way for different reasons (other than the ones you provided).

"You probably don't know if you're using sarcasm as a defense mechanism, but if you use it a lot, it's a safe bet that it's in a defensive way."

"But if you do have things to say but don't say them, then you're not likable only because you're so insecure that you believe you'll sound stupid when you talk."

"Most people who talk but don't reveal emotions are out of touch with their emotions. You have to know them yourself to share them with other people."

"To show no gratitude or no need for others…You might think that you make yourself look like Superman, able to do anything in a single bound."

Right now you're just an irresponsible writer who states whatever she likes online. Do more research so you can present a more valid article. Otherwise, I suggest that you do not assume the psychologist's role that you're not qualified for. As a supporter of objective feedback, you should have no problem taking
constructive criticism.

Ed F, sure you're not Mr. Penelope, one of her kids, or Penelope herself? You seemed a bit upset there, buddy. Like you yourself were offended or something.

I have to agree with Elena. Penelope doesnt have enough support. The research study that you pointed out only supports her claim about what type of people one prefers to work with. It gives no support to her 10 ways or other things that she wrote.

As for your corporate America, Penelope has reduced it to a corporate playground where middle school children fight for their popularity. If you feel offended here, you probably shouldnt go on http://finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/careerist/34834
because it aint too pretty over there.
And no, she doesn't have to defend herself, her company went bankrupt.

I'm kind of surprised at the negative reactions you've gotten here and on Yahoo, for this post. I think you've made a lot of good points that more people should take into consideration. To each his or her own I suppose…

Personality plays a huge part in how this new generation is perceived. I do not need a study to verify whom I enjoy and whom not. I work with a group of engineers and their perception of the world is different. Engineers, as a whole, are somewhat introverted and believe the world revolves around them. If I remember correctly, Scotty spent most of his time getting the sheilds up and making the Enterprise operate. His air time was usually via the intercom system from the belly of the ship. The decision making was left to The Capt and Spock. Find your niche that best suit your skills and be content if that does not put you on a CEO track. If you react negatively to this post, I suggest you take a hard look at how you are viewed by your peers. I enjoy this blog because it makes me think outside of my own experiences. That is what learning is all about.

More things to diminish favourability with colleagues?

Blame everything on fellow colleagues

Take the credit for things that you did not do (or did not accomplish on our own)

Present a co-workers genius idea as well, yours.

Over analise everything that people say and do.

Get time off/promotion by tantrums, flirting with boss, threatening lawsuits etc.

Talk about every person who has just left the room.

Come to work drunk/hungover.

Mock every value & belief that is meaningful to anybody.

Dont change your underwear untill it itches.

Greet all with treky hand salut and refuse to speak anything but kling-on.

I could go on but I think you get my drift?

Hope this helps, but remember I can't make any guarantees.. some daft sod might still like you!!

;p