A seagull in the office? More workplace ‘animals’ and how to manage them

Imagine you’ve been working hard on a project, spending time thinking and crafting a great plan and how to execute it. Then, when it’s almost done you show it to your boss and they, well, crap all over it. That’s precisely what a SEAGULL regularly does, whether they realise it or not.

So how can you deal with these different archetypes at work? For RHINOs, your best approach is to engage them first to get them enthused about whatever you’re working on. If they refuse, just minimise your time with them.

For PARROTs, try to feed them information on something you really want to get done. Ensure it’s super clear to everyone you were the originator, then use their power of repetition to help move your own ideas forward.

Finally, if your work is constantly criticised at the last minute by a SEAGULL, aim to involve them as early as you can in the process. That way they can put their mark on it at the beginning, but still give you plenty of time and breathing space to refine it.

Rhinos, parrots and seagulls are the latest animals you need to be able to recognise in the workplace. It can be a real zoo out there, but at least you can now navigate your way around them.

Tim Duggan is the author of Work Backwards: The Revolutionary Method to Work Smarter and Live Better. He writes a regular newsletter at timduggan.substack.com

The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.