Whatever your job, be prepared to face negative people who can discourage you from going to work. There are several ways you can deal with a difficult coworker, for example by learning to work together or being polite while keeping your distance.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Responding to Difficult Coworkers
Step 1. Identify some types of coworkers that are difficult to deal with
At work, you may meet people who are difficult because they are hostile to their co-workers, always complain, are slow to act, feel all-knowing, and have no attitude.
- Hostile coworkers tend to get angry easily or often feel blamed. The best way to deal with a coworker who behaves like this is to be patient. He just wants to overcome the discomfort by being heard and appreciated.
- Coworkers who always complain will cause stress at work. When interacting with him, actively listen to what he is complaining about and offer to help deal with the problem.
- Coworkers who are slow to act usually often delay making decisions or don't want to act for fear of making mistakes or disappointing others. The best way to deal with slow-acting people is to find out why they are afraid and gather the information they need to make a decision or take action.
- People who feel all-knowing are of two types. The first type, this person really understands the job and makes sure everyone knows that he or she is the “expert”. The second type, this person assumes he knows everything just to assert his opinion on anything. To deal with a truly know-it-all person, ask him questions. This way will reduce arrogance and his habit of being negative towards others. Deal with a coworker who feels he knows a lot by having a face-to-face confrontation, as this can help overcome his negative behavior.
- An inconsiderate coworker will bring trouble to the workplace because he or she will support whatever the other person is saying at the time, but then either expresses his own will or doesn't live up to his commitments. Regardless of whether giving an opinion in this way makes him feel confident, make sure he knows that he is an important part of the team.
Step 2. Use humor
Humor is an excellent self-defense mechanism for dissolving tensions in work relationships. Using humor appropriately can help you deal with uncomfortable situations or use yourself as a joke to distract yourself.
- When using humor, make sure you choose jokes that are appropriate to the situation and conditions at the time so that no one feels offended or ridiculed.
- Humor is a great way to tell the difference between negative behavior and the person doing it. Even if you object to their behavior, you can still like this person and laugh with them.
Step 3. Have him speak one-on-one for a confrontation
Avoid direct confrontation with colleagues who like to be rude, but you can overcome problems that arise because of the negative habits of coworkers who belong to the other type.
- To deal with a coworker who thinks he knows a lot, have a conversation with him to improve the working relationship without embarrassing him in front of other people. Confrontation will be effective if it is done one-on-one and with mutual respect.
- For example, “Ron, I know you understand very well the subject we're discussing, but wouldn't it be better if we limit the discussion to the necessary supporting facts? Or, how about you send us what you know on this topic and we'll talk about that some other time.”
Step 4. Decide wisely
Be wary of negative people at work. Most of the time, you'll have to deal with them by dodging. However, if you can't, carefully consider the problem you are facing and the options available based on your current priorities.
- For example, you're having trouble with a co-worker who likes to organize, but you really need this job. Think about the best way to deal with it while trying to find a new job or make changes in the workplace.
- By taking a stand, you will avoid unnecessary stress and be able to see that your coworkers' problems are not yours.
Method 2 of 3: Getting Support at Work
Step 1. Watch yourself
Be aware of the negative influence other people have on you. After all, it's your responsibility to take care of yourself and not give in to the actions of others.
Focus on dealing with stress by distinguishing between the negative behavior and the person doing it. Don't be offended because people usually behave negatively not because of you, but because of what they're going through
Step 2. Build a network that is ready to provide support
Make friends with positive colleagues because they will affirm the values you believe in and provide support when you have to deal with difficult colleagues. Find a friend who is willing to talk to you inside and outside the workplace to channel your frustrations. Give yourself time and space to feel calm so that you are free from conflict.
Procrastinate 24 hours before acting when faced with a conflict. Don't react right away, but give yourself time to cool off and get the support you need
Step 3. Establish good relations with colleagues in the personnel department
Occasionally, you may need to involve personnel or management staff in certain situations, such as when a colleague threatens to engage in violence or hostile behavior in the workplace.
Within the personnel team, there are specialized personnel who are able to handle employee relations and help you resolve issues professionally and seriously
Method 3 of 3: Dealing with Extreme Cases
Step 1. Know the employee's rights in case of harassment
You have the right to work safely and free from harassment. If extreme things happen, you can take legal action to deal with a problematic work environment.
Step 2. Find out how to deal with problematic employment relationships where you work
As explained above, getting to know coworkers on the personnel team can help you deal with extreme cases.
Many companies have written policies on human resources that set out formal procedures for filing objections or complaints
Step 3. Request a new assignment
Change can be started in easy ways, for example by moving your desk away from negative colleagues or moving departments so you don't have to work with them. If the problem gets bigger, find a new job or discuss your problem with your boss.
Step 4. See your boss if things get out of control
One of the important aspects that you should pay attention to is making sure that you are following the line of command and not overstepping your direct supervisor, unless he or she is having a problem with you.
- Harassment in the workplace will reduce company performance. Therefore, superiors will usually be proactive in dealing with this problem.
- Explain your problem in detail to your boss. For example, start the conversation by saying, "I'm having a problem with…" and then share what you did to solve the problem before seeing him.
