It’s a situation that we’re all faced with at some point in
the challenging, strenuous and consistently inconsistent journey commonly
referred to as a career. It can be tricky to get used to the complexities of a
9-5 working day that is constantly evolving, however the addition of working
with difficult colleagues who contribute to the slowing down of
time may be a driving force to utilise those sick leave hours! We therefore
present 5 tips on dealing with these colleagues to reduce/alleviate
any work related stresses you’re experiencing!
Identify what the issue is
In a world that operates on an on-the-go and fast paced
basis, it’s easy to blow an issue out of proportion- especially when that
particular issue has consumed your thoughts. Try to identify what the issue
actually is. Most of the time, it’s purely the thought of that problem that is daunting as opposed to the issue
actually bothering you.
With that in mind, is the reason you feel uncomfortable
around a particular colleague simply the result of a personality clash? This is
quite common in the workforce; some people prefer to keep to themselves whereas
others work best in a group. Therefore for example; the reason for their
silence or isolation isn’t directed at you, it’s simply their way of
functioning at work and most likely can’t be changed.
‘Keep your friends close and your enemies closer’
This subtitle is self-explanatory. Machiavelli said it, Sun
Tzu uttered similar words, Al Pacino even reiterated this saying and we’ll say
it again. In terms of enemy, we don’t only refer to these
people whom you don’t get along with; it actually refers to anyone who you’re
in competition with or who may try to take credit for your work. Keeping them ‘close’ (don’t get too close) may become
advantageous to you in terms of understanding why they’re behaving the way that
they do, or why they feel as though they’re above you. Just make sure not to obsess with the issue,
clashes will always occur but you can manage them strategically to achieve
higher satisfaction at work.
Never say anything bad about anyone… At work
We live in a world where anything and everything said can be
used against you. Don’t speak ill of a colleague to another colleague, never create
any written material regarding the company or its employees (this is a legal
issue, we’re not making this one up!), and please please please if you feel the
need to vent to anyone, discuss your issues with a family member, friend or
health professional (there’s a highly unlikely chance your colleagues will hear
of your struggles from them).
In saying that, if any bullying is occurring in person, try
to communicate more through email. It’s always better to have documentation or
physical proof if the matter reaches the HR department (this is an extreme
precaution!)
If all else fails - talk to your boss!
There are just some things you will not be able to change
with the resources and decisions you are in control of. If the proximity or
setup is what is making the issue with your difficult colleague worse, ask if
you can be moved or partnered with someone else. Be sure to mention how you
feel this will encourage better performance and results as well as a better
team harmony overall. As long as you touch on your employer’s concerns for
performance and making sure the team ‘gets along’, they have a responsibility
to listen to you.
Move on
If these colleagues are beginning to bother you to the point
where it’s affecting your work, then it might be time for change. Separate yourself
completely or as much as possible from them and simply focus on your work. Work
independently if need may be, limit conversation to greetings and purely work
related topics and migrate over to another group of colleagues with whom you’re
more comfortable/compatible with. Be the bigger person and end up happier for
it.
If negativity is affecting your personal life or
keeping you up at night, then you should definitely consider making a change within
your current business or explore other avenues.
Good luck!
No comments:
Post a Comment