I don't have actual "co-workers", as I haven't had a job since 1980. I call myself "self unemployed". I don't really have to work, but work is hard wired in my WASP upbringing. In my business, which dates from 1980, I'm often working alongside other people's employees, and as a rule I get along with them. They respect me as a rule and listen to me, and I try to do the same. If they work with me we get along, if they work against me, I destroy them. I have a relationship with my customers that is completely honest. We are on the same page working toward the same goals with mutual trust. If it can't be that way, they are not my customers..... I won't deal with them at any price. They need me, I really don't need them. In that respect, I'm probably a poor business man, but has worked for me for many years.
Probably the thing that irritates me most with the people I work around is the "I'm the only person in the world" syndrome. People who are completely inconsiderate of others who work with them, or "behind them". People who do things the quick, careless, and lazy way, creating problems and extra work for others. Most seem to not even be aware of what they are doing. Their minds are too small to encompass the minor and major consequences of their carelessness.
The other issue I run into is people playing politics, aggrandizing their role and running down others. I've had several people fired, as a result of their telling absolute lies and working to turn their co-workers against each other. I'm outside the loop, as I do not work there, so I hear it all. What they often do not realize is where my loyalty lies, and that is with my customer. If it involves profitability or safety, or "abuse", it goes right to the top. I've always been that way, even as an employee. It doesn't earn you much love from those who don't really matter, but it earns trust from those who do. Fortunately where I live most employees are fundamentally good employees, and many have become long time friends as they have moved from one job to the next. I'll do a lot for people I trust and respect, but I'll destroy the garbage!!
H.W.