Jude Costa

Business Fun Reads

Zoo or Office? Spotting the Wild Animals in Your Workplace

Hi there, fellow office explorers! Welcome to the concrete jungle, where the coffee flows like rivers and the elusive office creatures roam freely preying on each other to survive. Today, I am taking you on a wild safari journey to uncover the different types of people in the office, each resembling a unique animal. So, tighten your seatbelt, put your explorer hats on, grab your binoculars, and let’s dive into the fascinating world of the corporate zoo.

The Busy Bee

You can spot the Busy Bee buzzing around the office, always on the move, and with a to-do list longer than a giraffe’s neck. These worker bees are constantly multitasking, typing at warp speed like there’s no tomorrow, and can often be found in a cloud of productivity. Approach them with caution, armed with an agenda as if you start to waste their time with chitter-chatter they may sting.

The Wise Owl

Perched in the corner office sometimes near the window with the best view, the Wise Owl exudes a sense of calm and wisdom. They’ve seen it all and probably have a solution to every problem. Approach the Wise Owl with respect, ask for advice, and maybe, compliment them about their family, like how was their weekend, etc, and just maybe if your lucky, you’ll gain a nugget of knowledge that will help you soar to new heights.

The Social Butterfly

Fluttering from one desk to another, just like the Butterfly they dress colorful and brightly always in fashion, and thrive on office nectar gossip. They normally hang around the water cooler, nothing gets past them. They’re the life of office parties and are always in the know about who’s dating whom. Engage in light banter, share a joke, and you’ll find yourself in their good books. If you are polite with them you can get a heads up on office VIP’s guest visits or new promotions and who is going away. You get my drift.

The Lone Wolf

Often found in the shadows of cubicles or silently working in a remote corner, the Lone Wolf prefers solitude. They’re the introverts of the office, thriving in quiet environments. If you encounter a Lone Wolf, approach them with a gentle tone, respecting their space, and you might just unleash the creativity that lurks within. The lone wolf has a lot going on in their personal life. It is better to just have a gentle nod and greet of the day while passing them.

The Chatty Parrot

Squawking away on conference calls or during team meetings, the Chatty Parrots never shy away from expressing their thoughts. Engage them in conversations, let them share their ideas, you’ll find a vocal ally in team discussions and you may end up having an office BFF. They are perfect for all your coffee breaks.

The Caffeine Cheetah

Need an energy boost? Look no further than the Caffeine Cheetah sprinting to the coffee machine. Fueled by caffeine, these fast-paced individuals are always on the hunt for their next cup. Approach them with a fresh brew in hand, and you’ll gain a loyal companion in the quest for productivity. These poor chaps can either be hard workers or struggling to balance their social life with their work-life sipping on coffee to stay awake.

The Dragon

Once thought to be extinct is now found in abundance in the cooperate jungle. These creatures are a dime a dozen. They are hard workers for sure but you will find them time and time again in groups blowing smoke standing in a group or in a circle.  

The Procrastinating Sloth

We all have them and I bet you will easily identify them. Hanging from the edge of deadlines, the Procrastinating Sloth moves at its own pace. Be patient when working with them, but you may need to give them a nudge now and then to get work done.

The Laughing Hyena

The Hyena thrives on humor, especially the kind that toes the line between witty and borderline inappropriate. They’re the ones who can turn a mundane meeting into a comedy show with a well-timed quip. They do go overboard at times but can be quite entertaining. The Hyena is surprisingly sociable, always mingling with different groups in the office. However, beware—their friendliness might be a camouflage for their next prank or a cleverly crafted office rumor.

The Memorable Elephant

Memory Like a hard drive vault the Elephant never forgets. Need details from a meeting six months ago? Ask the Elephant, and they’ll recall it with stunning accuracy. They’re the unofficial archivists of the office, storing information for the benefit of the herd. But never fight with them for they never forget and will hold a grudge for your entire work career there. They mostly consist of tenure employees.

The Slithering Snake

Beware of the snake. The master of subtle maneuvers, the one who can weave in and out of conversations effortlessly. Much like a snake poised to strike, the Office Snake is a strategic thinker. They plan their moves carefully, always considering the long game. If you’re playing chess, they’re three steps ahead.

The Gazelle Herd

Bounding through the office grasslands with grace and agility, we encounter the Gazelles—the energetic, enthusiastic, and fleet-footed members of the corporate herd. Much like the Gazelle herds that stick together for protection, the Office Gazelles value teamwork in everything. Whether its taking breaks together, traveling to the office together or even heading to the washroom together sometimes. They’re collaborative and thrive in environments where ideas are shared, and everyone contributes to the collective success.

The Boss Lion

The jungle would not be complete without them. Behold sitting in the cabin, the charismatic and assertive leader who commands respect and exudes confidence. The Lion is the king or queen of the office jungle, leading their pride with strength, courage, and a strategic vision for success. But danger alert for when the lion comes out of the cabin the jungle is on high caution. It’s best to stay out of his/her way and approach only when the king/queen is relaxed.

Remember, in this corporate jungle, diversity is the key to survival. Adapt to the different species, learn their languages, and you’ll navigate the office terrain with ease. The next time you see the office I’m sure you will start noticing animal characteristics. Do let me know in the comments what type of animal you resonate with?

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