How to Deal with Difficult Coworkers
No matter where you work and what you do, you’ll likely run into a difficult coworker at some point. Being able to work with this person is a great way to improve your ability to overcome adversity and use your conflict resolution skills. When you learn how to work around difficult people, you can better focus on other coworkers and your work.
There are a variety of ways to work with a challenging coworker. In the paragraphs below, we’ll share some of the best ones. You can choose what you think will work best for your situation.
Note: There is a line between being a “difficult” coworker and an abusive one. If you think you’re in the latter situation, seek help within your organization.
Be the Best Person You Can Be
When you need to work with a difficult coworker, take a look at yourself to find solutions. Think about whether you have been communicating in an empathetic and adequate manner. You may not need to change yourself, but you should see if you play a role in the tricky situation.
If you can, talk to someone neutral about the situation. It’s best to select someone who doesn’t work with you. See what they think about the situation. Being self-aware helps you show the behaviors you prefer to see in others at work.
Stay Away from Office Gossip
One of the signs of toxic work culture is gossip. If the people around you spend the day gossiping about others, it can cut down the self-esteem of coworkers and lead to new employee insecurities.
When you refuse to engage in this gossip, it lets the others around you know that you’re safe and can be trusted.
Respectfully Confront the Situation
It can be challenging to confront a difficult coworker or superior. However, it may need to be done. When you do so, try to concentrate on your own feelings rather than attacking the actions of the other person.
For example, don’t say, “you’re always interrupting me when I try to speak.” Instead, try saying, “When I can’t finish sharing my thoughts, I feel dismissed.”
Learn to Work with All Personalities
Avoiding conflicts at work can be done by understanding how to work with different types of personalities. One coworker might like a lot of conversation to get engaged; another might want to keep home and work entirely separate.
Learning about and accepting coworkers can help the team succeed. Asking about communication preferences is a good way to start.
Speak with a Manager
If the tips above don’t work and a coworker is making you feel uncomfortable, you may need to speak to someone with more power to handle the situation. You could take an official complaint to your boss or step in and talk with the people in human resources.
In a situation where a difficult coworker makes you feel unsafe, speak to HR, and document the instances that occur.
Dealing with a difficult coworker can be stressful, but the methods above should help. Have empathy and realize that everyone is dealing with things in life. Reflect on your actions, be the better person, and try to be positive.