Difficult people exist at every workplace. It can be even harder to deal with them if they are targeting you and not a group of employees. Whether they compete with you for privilege and attention, fail to keep their commitments, think they must have the last word or try to malign you in front of your boss, they will affect your job performance and self esteem. If you keep ignoring the situation, it will fester to the point that you will lose your temper and feel miserable going to work every day.
It’s far better to address the situation early on, while you can still maintain objectivity and emotional control. Here are some ways you can proactively defuse the situation and get along to make the work life easier and more pleasant.
Have an honest conversation
Make an attempt, as hard as it can be, to provide constructive feedback and ask for feedback on you own behaviour. Clearly explain the impact the behaviour is having on you and don’t assume the person will suddenly wake up and realize the error of their ways. Share a story that the person can relate to and look from outside as a third party.
Talk to a trusted friend
When you’re being attacked by such a co-worker, it can often be difficult to objectively assess your options as you might be afraid of making the situation worse. Seeking the unbiased opinion of a friend can be a good idea which will also help vent your frustrations.
Discuss the situation with your boss
When you’ve exhausted all other options and you think that the person will not cooperate unless he or she is talked to by authority, disclose the matter to your boss. Suggest to your boss to hold meetings that remind team norms and address some of the conflicts on the team. A session that helps team members gain insight into one another’s perspective and increases peer to peer accountability.
When you’re dealing with difficult coworkers, there is no question that you’re suffering from the situation, personally and professionally. Approaching the predicament and resolving it is not easy and it takes a lot of energy and courage. However, when you commit to change things for the better, and you follow rational steps, you are likely to see improvement.
Check out this article to explore more ways.
