Dealing with Colleagues Who Get On Your Nerves
We all have that one colleague who just gets on our nerves. Sometimes, it feels like they can’t do anything right, even when they haven’t done anything wrong. Dealing with coworkers whom we always seem to be in conflict with can be extremely challenging. With just their arrival having the power to turn your smile upside down, we all know how fast a difficult coworker can ruin our entire day.
Whether they are gossip mongers or ones who steal your ideas and present them as their own, if you are having trouble tackling that aggravating coworker, we are here to rescue you! Here are 5 ways to deal with colleagues who get on your nerves.
1) Have a Positive Attitude
If you approach things with preconceived notions or a negative outlook towards your colleague, you are more likely to worsen the situation. It is important for you to open your mind and let your judgments or past experiences aside to tackle each situation like a new one. While dealing with that difficult coworker, try to keep your emotions in check and don’t let yourself be adversely affected by situations that are outside your control.
2) Identify What You Have in Common
To effectively engage with a challenging coworker, try to establish some commonalities. Whether it is work-related or not, it is always easier to build rapport with someone if you share some similarities and highlight those. By knowing them on an interpersonal level, you will eventually be able to deal with them much more easily on the work front.
3) Try to Empathize With Them
We all inherently want to be understood. It is important to gauge the other person’s mindset when you are trying to deal with them, especially when disagreements or conflicts arise. Adjust your tone and facial expressions so as to ensure that you are actively listening to them and giving their suggestions sincere consideration, no matter how much you disagree with what they are saying.
Pro tip: The general rule of thumb suggests treating everyone in a manner that you want to be treated.
4) Take a Pause Before Reacting
Sometimes if we are irritated, we tend to completely block what the other person is saying. Also, if a coworker, whom you already don’t like, says something particularly triggering, you tend to take the offensive route and blurt out something offensive. It is crucial to keep a rational mind and take a pause before reacting rashly. Repeat your words in your mind first and alter them if required till you are left with words that can convey your disagreement in a professional manner.
5) Create Distance and Set Boundaries
If even after applying your techniques, you still feel that no matter what you do, some people just manage to get on your nerves and create a toxic or unpleasant environment, just limit your interactions. While yes, it is important to maintain a healthy relationship at work, try to keep your conversations to the point and just about your work responsibilities.
Dealing with difficult coworkers can be challenging, but it is not impossible. By following these tips, you can learn to manage your interactions with them and minimize the impact they have on your day-to-day work life.
