Every job has one worker with an attitude problem. They constantly vent about how much they can’t stand management, customers, and workmates- pretty much every fellow human they come across. These coworkers are exhausting, and it can be difficult to avoid getting sucked into their pity party.
How do you deal with the colleague that puts a damper on every work shift? Here are a few tips to help you deal with challenging personalities and keep your focus on the task at hand.
Think Ahead
Sometimes the most effective thing you can do is plan ahead. Anticipate moments when you’ll encounter this difficult coworker, thinking through how you might respond to them in moments you find yourself frustrated. By doing this, you won’t be caught off-guard when you’re faced with the choice to either let it go or retaliate. You can’t always choose when you encounter conflict, but you can choose how you’ll respond before it happens.
Stay Collected
Self-control is a critical component in diffusing tense conversations. When a coworker decides to start pushing your buttons, the most powerful thing you can do is keep calm. If you allow yourself to lose control, that will only reflect poorly on your character and capability of cooperating with team members. Allow your problematic colleague to establish their sour reputation without sacrificing yours in the process by simply staying out of it.
Keep it Professional
At the end of the day, you’re not at work to engage in drama or get run over by a bulldozing personality. You’re there to make money and provide for your financial needs. Let your space be dedicated to working, and distance yourself from tempting opportunities to engage in workplace gossip. That isn’t conducive to your professional goals or your level of productivity, and acting immaturely by participating in the drama ultimately harms you in the long run.
Shake It Off
The old saying rings true- hurt people hurt people. It’s important not to take the actions of a toxic associate personally, because they may be going through something entirely unrelated to you. If they choose to use your work relationship with them as an outlet for their pent up pain, you don’t need to invite their hostility into your physical space, your mental space, or emotional space. All you can do at that point is shake it off and go about your day.
