Who They Are: Director colleagues are obsessed with control. They cannot handle uncertainty, and they want to design the outcome of everything.

How to Identify Them: Directors are more interested in being right than in doing the right thing. They cannot tolerate anyone disagreeing with them, which means they're constantly alienating people. They are also the most unlikely co-workers to ever say, "Thank you."

What to Watch Out For: Heads up! Directors become loose cannons when they lose control. They will rant, insult and intimidate to keep and regain control, even if it means being disliked and feared by their colleagues.

How to Protect Yourself: With directors, don't yield until you've reasoned to a middle ground. Be clear about what plans are non-negotiable and be mindful of their verbal drive-bys -- and also always wear your psychic Kevlar.