How to Get Along With Pushy Co-Workers

It is a shame to not get along at some level with our colleagues. No matter how pushy or arrogant a fellow worker is, we can ease some of the tension by finding ways to get along with everyone. Since we cannot indiscriminately fire co-workers, we can employ a few of these tips to neutralize--and even get along with the pushy ones. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Check your motives. Make sure you aren't operating from some deep-seated prejudice or jealous feelings about the co-worker's success. Perhaps you see aspects of yourself in this co-worker. If the problem is with you, it can easily be tackled with therapy or self-examination.

2. Compliment the employee whom you feel is being pushy. Often gracious words disarm a pushy co-worker into backing off or leaving you alone. Ask for help from the person, or engage him and offer effusive gratitude. These types of aggressively solicitous behaviors can prove extremely helpful. Only you must know your motives.

3. Refrain from gossip with other co-workers about your unease with the pushy co-worker. While others may notice the same behavior, you will only fuel your own mounting discomfort and work to build on a big resentment.

4. Learn more about the pushy colleague by talking with her personally. Perhaps she has a very bad home life or has been mistreated in the past. A little empathy can go a long way in getting along with people when you know where they are coming from.

5. Talk to a trusted supervisor or human resource employee about your issues and request some help in dealing with the objectionable colleague. Perhaps a transfer can take place.

6. Decide if an intervention may be necessary. The boss can talk to the pushy individual in private about his behavior and leave you out of the equation. Discontent breeds lower productivity and managers should intervene when possible.