How To Deal With Difficult Coworkers

Knowing how to deal with an especially difficult co-worker is an important life skill. Learning how to best manage conflicts can help everyone maintain healthy relationships at work. Use our 10 tips below to deal with your co-worker.

1. Understand Their Perspective

Getting to know your co-worker’s perspective can sometimes make it easier to get along with them. You may start to realize how their background and past experiences have shaped their behavior.

2. Learn To Voice Your Thoughts

It may be time to confront the situation if your co-worker is making your day unbearable. Opt for “I” language instead of “You.” This will help your co-worker to better understand where you are coming from.

3. Focus On Your Positive Relationships

Shift your focus and passion to co-workers that you enjoy being around rather than dwelling on one co-worker. Go above and beyond to create positive relationships with others in the office. It never hurts to get to know a co-worker outside of work.

4. Stay Neutral

If other individuals happen to be talking about your co-worker, try to keep your feelings to yourself. Remaining neutral helps to maintain a positive work environment. If you need to discuss your co-worker, do it outside of work with a friend or family member.

5. Limit Your Interactions

This may be difficult to do, especially in a small office, but limiting the amount of time spent around this co-worker will help. Stay by your co-workers that you enjoy spending time with as much as you can throughout the day. It may be a lot easier to deal with your co-worker in small doses.

6. Know Your Triggers

Knowing your exact triggers can help you mentally prepare and stay calm in the office. Focus your energy on things that truly matter, and don’t hesitate to remove yourself from any uncomfortable situation.

7. Discuss The Issues With Your Supervisor

If this co-worker breaks a company policy or negatively impacts your work, it’s time to speak with human resources or your supervisor. Document your co-worker’s actions to provide proof, if needed. HR or your supervisor should devise a plan to help resolve any conflicts in the workplace.

8. Accept Their Personality

It’s possible your co-worker is doing nothing wrong and you simply dislike their personality. Learn to accept the fact that you need to get along with this person and it will benefit you both personally and professionally. Try to find some small things that you enjoy about their personality.

9. Show Compassion

Everyone is dealing with their own things in the office or at home, which could ultimately explain your co-worker’s actions. Always try to show compassion and empathy as you get to know your co-worker over time. It’s possible you would act the same way if you were in their situation.

10. Reflect On Your Own Faults

Think about the way you act toward your co-worker. You might discover that you both have developed a sort of feedback loop of behaviors. Try to be the individual who breaks this seemingly endless loop. Treating your co-worker with kindness could help change his or her behavior, as well.