How to Handle Difficult People on the Job

Every day at work people encounter others who seem to want misery to rule their lives. It is even more challenging to have to deal with these people when they work next to you. Here are some ideas to deal with the difficult people on the job.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Talk to him. See if you can figure out what could have happened to this man to make him so miserable. Even if you are not a qualified psychologist, use your common sense and see if you can try to make friends. Tell him you are basically a happy person and you want to help him, if you can, to make his work-life relationship with you as smooth as possible.

2. Don’t let the bad attitude become contagious. Just because she is snotty doesn’t mean you have to return the favor. Be extra nice, but not insincere when you see her in the hall. Don’t let her sour puss drag you down. The bottom line is that whether you like it or not, you have to work with her. Make the best of it.

3. Try to break the mold of communication with him by acting differently in response to his constant complaining. Smile, with your music headphones in place and ignore the onslaught if you can. Maybe you can invite him for drinks after work with some of your work pals. Try to break through his facade and you might be surprised to find out that he volunteers at the shelter or has some very cool craft hobby that he would rather be doing than working. The more you learn about him and what makes him tick, the better you can respond to the way he acts at work.

4. Maybe she will respond to humor. Try to joke around with her, but not at her expense. Find common interests that you can bond with her about. In your dealings with her, if you continue to be calm and compassionate, eventually she may grow to understand that you you are not a threat. Maybe she accept an occasional invitation from you. If not, you would have lost nothing but a little time and perhaps gained her grudging respect.

5. If your efforts fail, talk to your supervisor about the possibility of moving to another cubicle or office area that is farther away from him. This may not happen immediately, but it is one way of dealing with a negative employee. You may suggest the possibility of isolated this person if he is having a negative effect on everyone at the workplace.

Tips & Warnings

• Be kind and positive.
• Be direct by telling her you don't like to hear complaints.
• Don't get drawn into arguing with him about anything. You don't want to be seen as part of the problem.
• Copyright © ThereseHaberman2008

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[amylaine]

on 12/28/2008 Great tips.

[MidniteWriter]

on 5/23/2008 Realize it's usually them and not you. A professional once said "whoever is talking the loudest has the problem." Thanks for your ideas!

[BeasleyPenn]

on 5/18/2008 I've had the experience more than once that a difficult co worker became an opportunity to grow tolerance. And, in also have come to enjoy the person (agree with step 3). Thanks for valuable article.