Okay, I’ll be the first to raise my hand and admit I generally love men. Generally. Yes, they can be a pain in the butt, but overall I enjoy their company and in business they have taught me plenty about what to do and what not to do.
However, there are men who stand out for all the wrong reasons in the business world — and you should avoid them as much as humanly possible.
The Romantic
These guys love to love. Well, so they will tell you. They see themselves as the guy who’s always there for the ladies. The shoulder to cry on. He needs to have all the women around him come to him for help. Often seeing themselves as a ladies’ man, they avoid conflict and responsibility. They also will talk a lot of love in life but have a track record of using women. Don’t fall for it. If he’s surrounded by women. Walk away
The Flatterer
Similar to the romantic, the flatterer will comment excessively to anyone he feels threatened by or to a woman he is trying to throw off guard. He’s the type to say “aren’t you the most ravishing woman in the room” and similar blandishments. Don’t let it go to your head. In fact, while it may well be true that you ARE the most ravishing woman in the room, be very wary of men who tell you so. This is business.
If you follow the flatterer around the room you’ll hear the same line used to other women. You will find he will largely do this with anybody he is threatened by… it’s a tactic to disarm and undermine you. This differs from the Romantic who will prey on everyone and anyone.
The Victim
Nothing is this guy’s fault. Literally, nothing. He could run over someone and it would be the other person’s fault for being on the road. They are often found complaining and you will never hear them provide a solution to a problem. If he is quick to blame someone else for a failure in his business or personal life — don’t fall for it. And keep in mind that this kind of habitual blaming can often be a sign that you’re dealing with a sociopathic personality. Steer well clear.
The Joker
This guy loves to be centre of attention in a meeting, at a function and in the office. He frequently finds an opening to tell a joke — often not a funny one, but something morally repugnant and sometimes even simply offensive. Most people feel uncomfortable with this and laugh. But don’t be a sheep. Stand your ground and keep a poker face. Show everyone in the room that you don’t approve, purely by your silence. Remember that silence is deafening.
You may also come across men who are a combination of the above. Some will try anything to survive without having to put in the hard work. If you DO have to work with someone like any of the above, be on guard at all times, stay focused and never give them the satisfaction of your verbal disapproval. Rise above them and let your silence do that.
