How to Deal with Difficult Coworkers
In today’s blog I am going to tackle some more difficult situations that you may experience during your working career. How to deal with difficult co-workers. Now, in your personal life, you can walk away from toxic friendships. At the office, it’s more difficult to distance from someone who tries to take advantage of you. You’ll want to find other ways to cope.
You’ve probably run into this situation at least once. A coworker takes credit for an idea you mentioned to them before a meeting. Another employee invents excuses for shifting their assignments to you. You feel like someone is sabotaging your efforts to get ahead in your career. Any of these things sound familiar?
Being helpful is part of being a team player but being a doormat can undermine your career and peace of mind. Learn how to achieve balance, so you can be supportive and respected.
Steps to Take on Your Own:
Your coworkers are responsible for their actions, but you could be making it easier for others to impose on you. If it happens once, you may let it slide. You may even make up excuses as to why someone has treated you a certain way. But if you find similar scenarios playing out during your work time, you may have to be more strategic and enforce stronger boundaries on your work colleagues.
Try these tips for preventing trouble on the job:
- Check your job description. Understand your responsibilities in order to figure out if a request for help is reasonable. A written job description can also be valuable documentation in case of a conflict. If you don’t have one, ask your boss or HR department to take care of that.
- Set goals. Create targets for yourself that align with your employer’s mission and give you an opportunity to advance your career. If you’re busy with your own priorities, you’re less vulnerable to distractions.
- Maintain boundaries. How do you want others to treat you, and what will you do if they overstep your limits? Be clear with yourself and others in your workplace.
- Stay calm. You might feel anxious and frustrated if you think a coworker is trying to benefit at your expense. Don’t internalize it or attack the situation when you are emotional. You’ll probably be more effective if you stay objective. Learning to relax under pressure will also relieve stress.
- Plan ahead. Rehearsing your responses is one way to feel surer of yourself. Run through different scenarios in your head or act them out with your partner or a friend. You’ll know what to say on the spot instead of realizing it later.
- Value yourself. Make self-love a daily habit. Adopt a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Take time out to have fun and cultivate close relationships. Not only will this lower your stress levels, but it will also make it easier for you to set and maintain boundaries as you will be more able to deal with issues as they arise.
- Move on. If your job is still draining you, it may be time to consider other options. Update your resume and apply for other positions. You may feel more empowered even if you decide to stay where you are.
Steps to Take with Your Coworkers:
What can you do if you’re already feeling exploited?
Experiment with different strategies for taking back control:
- Talk it over. Your coworker may not realize the impact they’re having on you, or they may even think they’re being helpful. Start by letting them know your preferences without making any judgements. You may wind up with a new office buddy.
- Be assertive. On the other hand, there are times when you need to be firm. Become more skillful at saying no. Speak politely and directly without feeling guilty, using or showing too much emotion or making excuses.
- See your boss. Try to resolve your differences on your own first. However, a pushy coworker may back off if you tell them that you need to clarify expectations with your boss.
- Teach others. Do others come to you for tasks they’re unable to complete on their own? Rather than doing the work for them, teach them how to do it themselves.
- Consider seeking assistance with becoming more assertive. If you struggle to be assertive, coaching may help. Talking with a professional can give you new insights and coping strategies.
Stand up for yourself if you think you’re being taken advantage of at work. You can help create an environment where colleagues do their share and help each other out.
