Dealing with Difficult Co-Workers

Working with difficult coworkers can be difficult. No one wants to go to work cringing at the thought of interacting with said difficult coworker. No one should have to work with someone who makes the workday miserable but in reality we can not typically choose our coworkers.  So, how do we deal with those coworkers who seem to make the day last longer than it should?  I have provided 3 ways to deal with difficult coworkers.

1.       Know Your Voice

If you are a part of a bullying situation, you will need to know your voice.  Unfortunately there are bullies in just about every profession.  This does not mean you have to put up with a bully. You need to stand up to your bully and tell them this kind of behavior is not acceptable. 

Now, not all difficult co-workers are bullies.  You may have a coworker that you just do not get a long with now matter how hard you try. You still will need to find your voice to stand up to this particular coworker if this coworker’s attitude is ruining morale. 

Perhaps this difficult coworker is just needing someone to talk to. Perhaps that is the reason they are being so difficult.  If you are interested in learning more about this person, then talk to them to see what he or she is all about.  You may find reasons why he or she is being difficult.

Either way, know your limits with someone who makes your work life difficult.  Make sure he or she understands that you have limits particularly in the workplace.  Know your voice.  Know your limits.

2.       Talk to Your Supervisor

If your interaction impedes you from completing your work duties, you will need to talk with your supervisor about the situation.  Your supervisor may not be able to do anything initially, but it is a good idea to get on record and have someone with authority know what the situation is. 

Your supervisor may have a list of complaints of the difficult coworker already and with your complaint something may come of it.  Your supervisor may have a plan already set to correct this particular’s behaviors.  Each person deserves a second chance.  However, if the behavior has not improved and is not corrected it is important for you to return to your supervisor to let them know.

Lastly, you never know what someone is going through.  Perhaps by talking with your supervisor about the difficult coworker, your supervisor can provide you with some techniques or strategies of how to deal with this particular person.  This is not the time to talk bad about someone or gossip, but your supervisor needs to know that someone is making your work life difficult.  Also, you may just need someone to vent to.  Supervisors are good to vent your concerns to that is why he or she is your supervisor. 

3.       Accept Their Who They Are

Sometimes people will just be difficult. It sucks but people like to cause trouble.  If you are in this kind of situation, it is best to stay away and do what you need to do.  You will have to accept who they are.  However, by accepting who they are will take some stress off you.  By this I mean, by realizing that you may have a difficult situation when you come in contact with this person, you know what to expect.  You know how they are going to act and since you are a boss and are not swayed by people’s difficult personalities, you can proceed with your day.  Further, you know his or her triggers and you now know how to avoid those triggers and how not to engage.  That is the key, not to engage.  Some people want to get a reaction out of you.  Let them try but you by remember, you are in control, and you have the power to not let him or her ruin your day.