How to Interact with Difficult Co-Workers

At work, it is inevitable that you will not get along with all of your colleagues. In any work environment, it is likely that the workplace composition will include personalities of all kinds, including those that are difficult to work with. For those employees who learn to manage the differences between co-workers, they will experience not only a more positive work experience, but will experience less workplace conflict.

If you experience workplace conflict or a difficult person, here are some options to consider that will help you resolve the matter effectively:

1. Discuss the differences with the person directly. Rather than keeping your feelings to yourself or engaging in unhealthy office gossip, have the courage to have a rational and open conversation with the other party. By speaking, you will be presenting the opportunity for a positive outcome. Practice your conversation prior to having it and choose a time when you are not upset, as when you are upset, you are more likely to communicate poorly, often making comments that you may regret later.
2. Work harder to let things roll off of your back. While there are certainly situations that you should address in your place of employment, there are some cases where you should just move on without another consideration to a disagreement or a conflict. Choose carefully which situations you should address; situations where a better outcome could arise from confronting the situation should be addressed. If a positive outcome cannot be achieved, move on and focus on something more positive.
3. Ask your supervisor for feedback on how to manage the situation. If possible, role-play with them how you should approach discussing the issue with your colleague. A conversation with your supervisor will give you the answers that you are searching for and the confidence to address and manage the situation.
4. Discover a way that you can work with those that are difficult in the office and not against them. It is human nature often to run away from those who we do not get along with. It is also natural for many people to turn negative when presented or placed into a negative environment. However, in a work environment, we don’t often have the option to select who our team members are. So, work hard to partner with personalities of all types to achieve positive outcomes.
5. If a work situation is simply not improving and you have implemented all other available options, consider speaking to someone in human resources who will be able to offer you assistance.
   

Throughout your career, you will encounter difficult people in the workplace. In most instances, a conversation can work to resolve the differences. If this is not effective, communicate directly with your supervisor. Communication is the key to resolving any issue in the workplace. Without honest, open dialogue, issues will often escalate. If you do not address difficult people and difficult situations in your work environment, it could pose potential problems for your ability to advance and become successful within that particular company or organization.

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