There is no perfect workplace. Even if you’re living the dream and having a wonderful job, there is still something that bugs you about your job and when that thing is a person, things can get pretty complicated. People can be difficult by not talking enough, not listening too well, not working well with other team members and a million more other ways. What can you do when someone at work is being difficult? Quit your job? No, of course not, you deal with them! A while back we talked about 10 ways to get people to respect you at work and now it’s time we took a look at how to deal with difficult people at work.
10. Think before Acting
Always think before you act! You risk being rash if you don’t and you could end up doing a mistake that could cost you your job. Never yell at someone or even worse, hit them, no matter how hard they annoy you. You can fantasize about it, sure! But when it comes to reality, simply think before you act!
9. Ignore Them
Alright, so ignoring someone isn’t a great way to deal with that person, but sometimes it does work. If you can manage to do it, simply ignore them. They’ll do their little song and dance and then go away. If it’s someone with whom you have to work closely, simply keep it as professional as possible and ignore all other areas.
8. Try to Communicate with Them
Talk to them, approach them and see if you can find a means of communication with then. Can you establish an honest exchange of ideas? If you can, then you’re likely to solve the issue between you and them. So many times, people are being difficult because they have personal issues, which spill over into their personal lives.
7. Vent Your Anger to Friends
You know how that place is called where everyone meets after work to vent their anger about their jobs? It’s called a bar and you should go grab a beer and tell your friends what’s been bugging you. Good friends will always know what to say about difficult co-workers and even if your friends can’t solve your problem, they’ll at least make you laugh.
6. Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys
Not my circus, not my monkeys is a polish proverb that can really help you during difficult times. Whenever you find someone is being difficult at work, simply remind yourself that it’s not your issue to deal with. It’s their problem, not yours. Detach yourself from the situation and you will see that if you do, nothing is going to bug you anymore.
5. Find Ways to Relieve Stress
Sometimes, people seem annoying and difficult because you’re living in a stressful environment or you’re going through a stressful period. One of the best ways to deal with difficult people at work is to find ways to relieve stress. Get yourself a hobby after work, go hiking or do something that you love and you’ll see that those difficult people at work don’t seem so annoying anymore.
4. Don’t Think about Quitting Your Job
Quitting your job because of someone is annoying is not an option, no matter how much they annoy you. Try to find a solution to deal with them, but don’t give up. Finding a job in today’s economy is like finding a needle in the haystack.
3. Meditate
Meditation can really help you to calm down and gain a new perspective on things. Learn how to meditate and do it every day for at least 5 minutes and you’ll see the huge difference it is going to make in your life. You can even meditate during your lunch break and you’ll get back to the office, refreshed and ready to face the world.
2. Try to Reach a Compromise
If the person who is difficult knows that you have an issue with them, then maybe a direct confrontation, followed by a compromise is the best solution for both parties. Talk like the adults that you both are and sort your issues out, because you’re going to see each other five days a week, eight hours a day for a long time.
1. Take it to Your Boss
When all else fails, just take it to your boss. If you simply cannot get along with the other person, if things are simply impossible between the two of you, simply talk to your boss and ask for their opinion. They would most likely know what to do. Whatever you do, try to remain as calm as possible.
Would you like to add more ways to deal with difficult people at work? Drop us a line in the comment section below, we would love to hear your thoughts on this matter!
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