Coping With Difficult Co-Workers

Co-workers who are difficult to deal with can negatively impact your mood. It can also affect your performance. There might be many reasons for your colleague's discontent.

But this should not affect your emotional health. There are many approaches to promoting harmony in the workplace. Try these strategies for more peaceful communications with difficult co-workers.

1Talk With Your Colleague First

For any workplace dispute, supervisors appreciate employees who demonstrate the maturity to resolve their own conflicts. Start by speaking directly with the individual. It's easier for colleagues to develop trust in each other and work as a team if everyone is committed to being respectful and straightforward, even when there are disagreements.

2Know The Right Time To Escalate

If you and your colleague can't resolve the situation privately, you may need to escalate. Follow your company's grievance policy. Ensure that your colleague is aware of the appropriate avenue to express their concerns.

3Focus On The Issue And Keep An Open Mind

When speaking with your co-worker, be specific about the conduct that you think is inappropriate. If necessary, explain how it's disruptive. For example, if negative statements were made in front of the clients, describe how that could hurt the company's reputation.

Be open to any feedback about your own conduct that could be contributing to the situation. Guide the discussion. It should be geared toward finding solutions.

4Set Realistic Goals And Be Encouraging

Some people complain because they have high expectations that are difficult to meet with the time and resources available. Try to reach a consensus about what is feasible. Encourage your co-workers when they do a good job.

Congratulate them on their successes. Let them know that you recognize their skills. Acknowledge their talents, from strong presentation skills to a warm telephone manner.

5Introduce Any Change Gradually

Some people are resistant to change. Some find it unsettling. If you anticipate that upcoming events are likely to create conflict, try to give notice.

You can also hold a staff meeting. Discuss the situation. People may accept unwelcome changes more gracefully if they're notified in advance and understand the reasoning behind them.

6Avoid Making Fun Of Your Colleagues

Making fun of others is often a sign of insecurity. Are you working with a co-worker who makes disparaging remarks about others? The situation can sometimes be improved by helping them to feel more secure and confident in their own abilities.

Another option is to change the conversation. Turn it into something positive. In any case, avoid participating in the mockery.

7Make A Constructive Follow-Up

Once you make progress towards a more positive workplace, maintain the momentum with constructive follow-up. Inquire if your co-worker's legitimate complaints have been resolved to their satisfaction. Thank the people for all their efforts.

8Feel Empathy For Your Co-Worker

Put yourself in your co-worker's place and remember their good qualities. It will be easier to maintain a cordial working relationship with co-workers if you try to understand their point of view. Keep their strengths in mind to balance any tendencies that you find irritating.

9Maintain A Positive Vibe

Remain friendly and encourage constructive exchanges. At the same time, avoid griping. Keep up daily pleasantries for a friendly environment.

Don't forget to maintain your sense of humor. Any situation is easier if you can laugh about it. You may be able to find some entertainment value in your colleagues' bellyaching.

Difficult co-workers can make getting through your day and completing your work hard for you. Take the initiative to create a more positive workplace. By doing this, you can help eliminate the tension.

This will also boost your own morale. If you still sense negativity at the office, keep yourself strong with a good support network. Get the support that works for you from your family, friends, or faith tradition.