How to Deal With Rude People at Work in Cubicles

Change your mindset or change your cubicle to handle rude behaviors better.

Working with rude people, be it bosses or coworkers, on a day-to-day basis can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being. You can improve your situation though instead of bristling inside and wondering what to do. Practice diplomacy and emotional control to get your word across to your rude colleague without straining your professional relationship and reputation.

Instructions

1. Avoid reacting immediately with anger to a coworker or supervisor whose behavior you perceive to be rude. Realize that it is likely that you’re being over-sensitive and harsh words may damage your relationship with the person forever. Calm down first.

2. Analyze the situation. Check if it’s only you or are other people around you equally annoyed and angry with the person’s behavior. Discuss the situation with a trusted colleague or a close friend outside office and get their perspective of the situation. Ask yourself if it’s worth losing your peace of mind over the person’s behavior.

3. Decide to take a straight forward approach and talk to the rude person face-to-face if his behavior is beginning to affect your productivity. Prepare yourself on how to talk with the person. Remember to use a neutral tone that doesn’t reflect your inner emotions such as anger or annoyance. Focus your talk on how you would like the person to behave rather than how you don’t want him to act. For example, instead of saying, “I don’t like your overbearing attitude,” say “I would highly appreciate if you would understand my work priorities and not expect me to complete everything as soon as possible.” Similarly, say something like, “I would appreciate it if you attend meetings on time,” instead of “I won’t tolerate your late-coming behavior hereafter.”

4. Report the individual’s behavior to your supervisor or a staff member with decision-making authority in the Human Resources department if she continues her rudeness. State plain facts when reporting instead of getting emotional.

Tips & Warnings

• Shift to another cubicle if possible.

References

• CNN; How to Stand Up To Rude Co-Worker; Alina Dizik; June 2011
• USA Today; Don't Let Annoying Co-Workers Drive You Bananas; Mary Clare Jalonick; November 2002
• CBN.com; Dealing with a Rude Co-worker; Dr. David Hawkins
• FoxNews.com; Rudeness Rampant in the Workplace; Michael Y. Park; June 2002