How to Handle the TMI Coworker

Out of the corner of your eye, you see her making a beeline for your desk. Quick, you quietly utter, look busy! As you attempt to thwart her advances by typing furiously, you realize it's too late. She's already at your desk, ready to share the latest installment of her romantic saga. Ugh, you groan. There goes your productivity for the next half-hour!

Let's face it: Most offices have at least one employee who personifies the phrase: "Too Much Information." Although this person likely means well, he or she often divulges personal information that makes others squirm in their seats. Sure, you don't mind hearing about how your coworker has to head to the doctor's at 3 p.m. But, do you really need to know all of the gory details about her appointment? I didn't think so.

Below are the top five ways to handle a "TMI" coworker:

1. Politely say that you're too busy to talk.

The best way to ward off chatty coworkers? Simply tell them that you're in the middle of an important project and don't have time to talk. Another effective tactic is to politely ask them if they have a work-related reason for approaching you. That way, they'll be forced to recognize that they're interrupting you and wasting your precious time. Plus, your boss will be impressed if she catches wind of the fact that you abstain from office gossip and keep distractions to a minimum.

2. Explain that you'll be free to chat during your lunch break.

Do you have any qualms about spending your lunch break with your chatty coworker? If not, ask her if the conversation can hold off until noon. Chances are that she'll be more than happy to comply and postpone her story until you're both free to chat.

3. Refuse to respond.

At my last job, I worked with a man who loved to provoke me. It didn't matter what I said - "Jon" always held a conflicting view and gladly shared it. But, what he enjoyed even more than arguing with me was asserting his power by making me feel uncomfortable. Oh, Jon divulged it all: His romantic escapades, his unsuccessful attempts at weight loss - even his frequent trips to the bathroom.

So, why did Jon decide to regale me with his personal tales while he left the other employees alone? Easy! I responded to him. I rolled my eyes, groaned, and visibly seemed uncomfortable. And, he ate it up! My reactions only spurred him to find newer and more off-the-wall ploys to get my attention. Remember: There's nothing a "TMI" coworker loves more than an audience. Therefore, the best way to respond to someone who's looking for a reaction is to fail to respond at all. However, if you feel that the information being divulged is demeaning or harassing, be sure to speak to someone from your HR department.

4. Make a move.

Looking for a surefire way to stop a chatterbox in his or her tracks? Physically get up and walk around the office. Refill your cup of coffee; stop by the fax machine to pick up "important" documents; or, head to the bathroom. This will force your chatty coworker to either a.) follow you around like a lost puppy or b.) wrap up her story. Most likely, your coworker will choose the latter approach.

5. Find a work buddy to bail you out.

Whenever my "work spouse," Jane, noticed Jon slowing making his way to my cubicle, she followed him. She then pretended to have an urgent matter to discuss with me in her office. In return, I repaid the favor whenever her office nemesis attempted to distract her from her endless piles of work. All things considered, it was a beautiful and mutually beneficial partnership.

Up for Discussion

So, do you have a coworker who regularly interrupts you to divulge personal information? Do you constantly find yourself thinking, "TMI?" If so, please share your stories with the OfficeArrow community.