These coworkers from Hell rarely laugh at the cartoons on your wall.  They find hidden meaning in the things you say.  They judge what you wear and are scornful of the things you do. PC Police & Cubicle Cops can drain the fun out of a workplace, and replace it with paranoia and discontent.

Ick.

This is a coworker who has taken positive policies intended for creating a safer, more sensitive workplace, and turned them into weapons.  He (she) enjoys the feeling of power that comes from catching someone doing something ‘wrong’.  Being the self-appointed guardian of the company’s moral center appeals to him.

First, Look In The Mirror

Before you begin to take steps to deal with this individual, it is, of course, a good idea to first take a good look at yourself.  You want to make sure that you aren’t doing things that are, in fact, offending people; or being insensitive to the needs of those around you.  Once you’re certain that you aren’t the problem, here’s one strategy for dealing with the PC Police Person:

The next time he becomes offended at something someone does, simply comment that, “You know, theft is against the law.” When he asks what you mean, tell him that he has chosen to take offense which was not intentionally given. Remind him that taking something not freely given is, by definition, theft. Then just let him know that you would appreciate it if he wouldn’t steal from other people again.

The PC Policeman judges people in part to protect himself from being judged by others.  He’ll be a little more careful around you when he realizes you aren’t afraid to turn the tables on him.