Challenging Colleagues: 5 Tips for Effectively Dealing with Difficult Coworkers : Whether they’re flirtatious, loquacious, rapacious, or contagious, challenging colleagues can ruin an otherwise amazing office environment. Thankfully, there are tactics you can use to tactfully disarm them, regardless of the challenges they present.
Read on for five of the most effective tips for dealing with difficult coworkers.
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Make your boundaries clear
It should go without saying that when you’re focused on your work, colleagues shouldn’t bother you with office gossip or other trivial matters. Likewise, it should be common knowledge that no means no when it comes to workplace flirtation. Unfortunately, some people can’t see boundaries like these until they’re clearly defined. So, even if you think your boundaries should be obvious, it’s important to make them explicit.
This strategy applies whether you’re working in a warehouse in downtown Houston or a coworking space in Melbourne. Let those around you know where you draw the line on things like personal space, how you spend your breaks, and what conversations you’re willing to engage in with colleagues.
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Be specific
Whether you’re talking to your manager or the challenging colleague in question, it’s essential to be detailed and specific when addressing a problem. For example, instead of saying someone is rude, it’s better to cite specific examples of their disrespectful behavior, including any unfavorable consequences that occurred.
By giving concrete examples and presenting them in their full context, you can let relevant parties know precisely how your colleague’s behavior affects the workplace. This information will be crucial for finding a solution that will genuinely work.
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Remain respectful
No matter how angry this colleague makes you, keep your cool and remain respectful. This means avoiding gossip and only involving people who can help you find a solution. It also means being prepared to look at things from your colleague’s point of view. It’s possible that you are, at least in some part, contributing to the problem. Of course, it may be all on them. However, in most cases, it’s important to be open-minded and willing to make some concessions to arrive at a resolution that will work for everyone.
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Learn how to handle conflict
Many people allow workplace dramas to fester and grow out of control because they don’t want to deal with conflict. Instead, they gossip with friends about the problematic person, avoid interactions with them, and seethe internally whenever they’re forced to collaborate on something.
This isn’t healthy for you, and it robs your colleague of the chance to learn, grow, and repair their professional relationships. Surprising though it may seem, many people are oblivious to the fact that their behavior is negatively impacting others. Letting them know may lead to an uncomfortable conflict. However, it should also create an open, communicative environment that allows both of you to move past the conflict in a healthy way.
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Learn from the challenges
The beauty of difficult situations is that valuable lessons are always part of the deal. The trick lies in looking past your emotions and instant reactions to find these gems of wisdom. If you’re having trouble finding anything of value in your interactions with your challenging coworker, it may help to gain an objective perspective from your therapist or a thoughtful friend. Once you’ve started to unpack the benefits you gain from facing these workplace difficulties, you should find it easier to engage the other four tips above.
Keep these strategies in mind as you navigate the office environment, and you should find it easier to sidestep drama and distractions.
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