You work in an open plan sales office and you have trouble concentrating because of a noisy colleague sitting nearby. You are not the only one inconvenienced, but no-one has said or done anything about it.
What would be the most effective reaction to this situation?
Refer the matter to your line manager, since they have overall responsibility.
Make even more noise than this colleague - to show them how annoying it is.
Email your noisy colleague to complain, cc'ing in your manager
Talk to your noisy colleague and request more reasonable behaviour
Correct answer is D
(D) is MOST since this solution: raises the underlying issue; whilst looking for a mutually agreed resolution. It's an excellent first step.
(B) is LEAST because this is simply repeating the same problem as your disruptive colleague.
(A) is incorrect since it abdicates responsibility to your manager. This is an interpersonal issue requiring some personal initiative. First try to address the problem yourself.
Answer option (C) contains two elements that mean it is not the best option. Firstly, there's a passive-aggressive intent in mailing a complaint that copies in their manager. There is also some threatening intent. Escalating the issue may prove unnecessary - try speaking to them first.
