published: 05 Aug 2019
3 min read | website: www.ebr.com.au
Unfortunately, there is always going to be that person at work. The one who always finds the negative in every idea, who complains constantly, or never turns in theirwork on time, or ever. However, your productivity and quality of work doesn't have tobe dragged down by their poor performance. If you're dealing with a toxic co-worker, here are some ideas to manage the situation.
Don't get too close
If you have to work on a project with them, try to keep an emotional distance. After all, this is work. The rest of the time, try not to spend too much time in their vicinity.You don't want that negativity rubbing off on you and sending your day down thedrain
Vent away from work
Sometimes sharing your struggles with another person is helpful. Just make surethat you're not doing this at work. Find a friend and vent a little. Being able to talk itover with someone else can be helpful. They can help you evaluate the situation with another perspective and maybe give you ideas for how to deal with this person
Check yourself
Make sure that you're examining your own words and actions. Have you contributed to the tension at all? It's possible, after all, that they're not the only issue there. If yousee ways that you have been a part of the problem, not the solution, then change that. Make sure that you take responsibility for your actions first
Remember what matters
Yeah, sure, that person may be driving you up a wall. But you shouldn't base yourhappiness at work on other people. Did you just nail that big contract? Celebrate it,don't let the other person deflate your mood!
What's the real problem?
Sometimes you just need to do some thinking and digging to find out what is motivating these people to act like they are. Has someone at work consistentlyslighted their work? Do they have issues happening at home? Maybe they'refrustrating to you because those things that annoy you are actually your own habits.
If you're the only one who is having a problem with this person, then that might bewhat the real issue is
You're always going to encounter interpersonal conflict. How you work to resolve itand deal with the issue is the true measure of the bigger person. Rather than blow up at your annoying coworker at work—and ruin your own reputation—employ some of these tactics to find better success.
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