Few ways to handle a tough colleague at work

A positive working environment is a workplace that stimulates the growth of individuals by keeping them in an environment that instils a sense of trust, cooperation and safety among the employee that simultaneously lead to enhancing the working efficiency of the company.

Being in a congenial environment makes getting through a hectic day at the office a little less difficult, but what happens when your colleague is constantly seeking your attention, or maybe he/she is constantly worried about what’s happening in your life or pushing in a little too much into your comfort zone. How do you deal with a situation like that?

 It is common to encounter conflict in an office setting when interacting with people from various backgrounds and roles. Therefore, it is hard to put difficult colleagues into a one-size-fits-all box. After all, they come in so many shapes and sizes. There are different kinds of difficult colleagues, like the passive-aggressive who feeds on bullying others, the know-it-all corporate climber who walks all over people, or the two-faced backstabber who delights in betraying a confidence.

 Not all stress at work can be blamed on difficult colleagues, but our workplace is a perfect breeding ground for people who push our buttons. The gossip that would not normally irritate us becomes toxic when we are forced to work with it daily.

 Dealing with difficult people at work can be stressful and draining. Knowing how to deal with a difficult co-worker is an important life skill. Although you may enjoy many of the people you work with, you should know how to work with people you find difficult. Learning how to manage conflicts can help you maintain a more harmonious work environment. As you learn to accept or confront their behaviours, you can begin to focus on yourself and those you enjoy more.

 With that being said, it is definitely possible to have positive interactions with difficult coworkers. The following are some of the ways in which we can deal with difficult colleagues:

 1. Learn to voice your thoughts: If your co-worker is making it difficult for you to feel comfortable at work, it may be time to confront the situation. When sharing how they make you feel, use "I" language so they better understand your perspective. Using "you" language may make it difficult for them to accept responsibility for their actions. "You" language may also blame them for the current situation. Instead of focusing on the blame game, try focusing on the output of the current situation and how it makes you feel.

 2. Get to know their perspective: Sometimes, getting to know your challenging co-worker's perspective can make it easier to get along with them. After getting to know them better, you may realise that their background and life experiences shape their behaviour and point of view. Although you deserve to be treated with respect, this insight may help you understand the way they see things.

 3. Stay neutral at work: If other co-workers are talking about this person, keep your opinions to yourself. Remaining neutral is how you can help maintain a positive work environment for everyone. If you must talk about this person, save it for a friend or family member who is not connected to your work. Save your energy at work for discussing things that are positive about others.

 Rather than focusing on this coworker, turn your attention to those you enjoy being around. Make an effort to form positive relationships with your co-workers. Casual conversations with uplifting people throughout the day can make you feel happier at work. Consider asking one of your favourite co-workers to do something fun outside of work. Focus on the positive.

 4. Limit your interactions: Limiting the amount of time you spend with this co-worker can help you cope with the situation. You may find that you can handle them in small doses. At lunch or during meetings, stay with co-workers whom you find kind and uplifting. When limiting your interactions, make it subtle to be mindful of their feelings.

 5. Focus on the positive: Reflect on which behaviours of theirs you find the most challenging. This way, if they begin to exhibit these actions, you can immediately remove yourself from the situation. This technique can help you stay calm and collected at work. Focus on directing your energy and passion toward things that really matter.

 To conclude, dealing with difficult people is a skill that won’t just help you in a workspace but also in every aspect of life. At the workplace, we are not always able to choose whom we work with. What we do have control over is how we engage with others. Try and learn from situations that you experience with others. Approach them with understanding rather than frustration and you will come out the other side a better person, teammate and leader.

 By:Raktim Das, Management Intern at Nevoxel