There will come a time in your career where you will have to encounter a difficult co-worker to work with. This co-worker will drain your energy in the workplace with their constant nagging, opinions, revisions, rudeness, or bad habits. This can even come to a point where their presence will distract you or can even cause stress which is why you would even prefer to avoid them to stay away from conflict.
It is important to handle this co-worker with the utmost professionalism and positive behavior to refrain their rudeness or laziness from affecting your work or your lifestyle, even. They can really be difficult so how to work with them and take control?
Here are 6 strategies you need to learn to handle difficult co-worker attitudes and behaviors for a more peaceful and productive working environment.
1. Stay Professional
No matter how bad their attitude can be, always remember to maintain a professional demeanor. Your professionalism will differentiate you from them in a positive light. Note that the workplace is a professional environment, and your behavior should reflect that, even theirs is not. Keeping interactions respectful and business-like helps to prevent conflicts from taking place.
This approach also ensures that you’re seen as mature and responsible by your peers and supervisors. You would want to maintain that image in any case that hostility occurs because everyone will not think you started it since they know you for being the level headed one.
Professionalism involves listening carefully, speaking calmly, and avoiding gossip. Yes, no matter what happens, avoid speaking ill of your co-worker to keep your professional self in-tact. It’s easier to handle difficult coworkers when you separate emotions from the situation. Even if the coworker is rude, responding with professionalism can diffuse potential confrontations
2. Document Incidents
As soon as they start bothering your professional or personal life, start documenting the incident. Keeping a detailed record of problematic interactions is essential so you have evidence should it be needed to bring up to HR or management. Make sure to take note of the dates, times, and specifics of each incident.
Make sure your records are objective and free of personal opinions so the HR or management will not tag you as just complaining. Include any witnesses who were present, if possible. Documentation protects you by providing evidence of the coworker’s behavior and also shows that you’ve taken the situation seriously and have tried to address it.
Moreover, regularly review your notes to identify any patterns in the behavior. This can help you understand the underlying issues and prepare for discussions with your supervisor.
3. Limit Interaction
If possible, limit your interactions with the difficult coworker. Even if they are on the same team as you, try to minimize associating with them by focusing on necessary work-related communications and avoid unnecessary social interactions. This helps reduce the opportunities for conflict and stress.
When you do need to interact, keep the conversations brief and to the point. Provide what they need in one interaction. If you can, do use emails or messaging apps for communication to have a written record—another evidence, should it be necessary.
4. Pick Your Battles
Always remind yourself that not every issue with a difficult coworker needs to be addressed. Let them be rude or lazy but as soon as they become aggressive or intrusive, that is where you take action.
Sometimes, it’s better to let minor annoyances slide. Focus on the more significant issues that impact your work or well-being.
Ask yourself if the problem is worth the potential conflict. If it’s not, it might be best to move on. Save your energy for issues that truly matter.
5. Use the Power of Pausing
When a coworker is being difficult, take a moment before responding. Pausing gives you time to think and prevents you from reacting emotionally. Remember that you don’t want to stoop down to their level.
You can pause by taking a deep breath or counting to ten. This brief pause helps you respond more thoughtfully and calmly. It also shows that you’re in control, which can sometimes calm the other person. Even if it won’t calm them, it just shows that their attitude is the problem, not yours. So always practice this regularly, and it will become a natural response.
6. Take Breaks to Recharge
Regular breaks are very important for maintaining your sanity when dealing with difficult coworkers. Use your breaks to step away from your desk and clear your mind. Take a short walk, get some fresh air, or do a quick meditation so you relax your mind, help you recharge, and reduce stress.
Breaks can make you more resilient and better able to handle challenging interactions. They also improve your overall productivity and focus. Make sure to take your breaks regularly, even if you feel too busy.
7. Seek Support from HR
If the situation with a difficult coworker becomes unmanageable, seek support from HR. They are there to help resolve workplace conflicts.
Document specific incidents and be clear about your concerns. HR can mediate discussions and offer solutions. This is your professional way to address persistent problems. HR can provide guidance and support in finding a resolution as well.
Your relationship with your co-worker is important for you to maintain your excellence and competence at work. Not only will this relationship improve your wellbeing, this also ensures that you are always on top of your work. Having bad blood with a co-worker can hinder productivity. This does not mean, however, that you are the problem. Your wellbeing is more important than your co-workers make up issues with you.