According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average worker spends 7.5 hours a day working. That's about 38 hours a week you spend at your workplace with your boss and coworkers. Since you are spending so much time together, it's important to get along with everyone at the job.
Being around difficult colleagues can kill your motivation, lead to negative feelings on and off site, and make it hard to manage your stress levels effectively. Here are six ways that you can ease the tension and deal with the problem people in your office.
Scenario: You are on the phone with a client, and Coworker X begins to speak loudly and rudely right next to your desk.
The best tactic to take in this situation is to keep your emotions cool and be civil. This includes being courteous, even if the other person isn't offering you the same. Ask your client to hold on a moment and politely request Coworker X to lower their voice or move to another section of the office.
Scenario: You're catching up with a coworker in the break room who has recently come back from vacation. All of a sudden, Coworker X butts into the conversation.
If you have absolutely no interest in sharing a casual conversation with him or her, feel free to excuse yourself. Allude to the fact that you have to get back to work, make a phone call, or send an e-mail. Reducing contact, and avoidance in general, is an acceptable way to deal with this difficult colleague if done tactfully.
Scenario: The despised coworker turns in their part of the project that you are now supposed to integrate with yours. As much as you hate to admit it, it's well done.
I know this may feel beyond your capacity, especially if your negative feelings towards this person are extreme. However, paying someone a genuine compliment changes an aspect of your relationship. If you can find something positive to say, and actually mean it, they will react in a positive way and you in turn will feel better.
Scenario: You are competing with Coworker X for a promotion. Coworker X engaging in all kinds of dirty election campaign tactics, including criticizing your work in front of your boss.
Instead of focusing unnecessary energy on your coworker who is trying to bring you down, turn your attention towards your work. As long as you do the best job you possibly can, your nasty colleague will look petty and incompetent in comparison.
Scenario: Coworker X did something you found upsetting or offensive months ago. You are still festering with resentment and you see red every time he or she walks by.
Yikes. Resentment is one of the least productive emotions you can mantain. Harboring resentment only hurts one person - you. Remember that there are two sides to every conflict. Acknowledge your side, see what you might have done wrong or could have done better, and learn from the mistake. At the end of the day, you are only responsible for your actions, no one else's.
Scenario: You have so much conflict with Coworker X that you are on the verge of quitting, screaming, crying, or acting out physically.
If the situation with your despised colleague has gotten out of control, it may be time to seek outside help. Some corporate offices offer an employee counselor or help line for free. Human resource personnel are also a great option. Your confidant may be able to help you put the situation in perspective, make some changes in the office, or suggest another route to take.
Jasmine Stephenson is a guest blogger for GuideToCareereEucation.com blog. Read her article about how to manage your stress.
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