How to Deal With Rude Comments at Work

During the course of your work week, you deal with many different types of people. Most of the time, co-workers can co-exist peacefully, but occasionally, a rude comment throws off the pleasant dynamic. While it may be distressing, with a few simple strategies, you can learn to manage these comments. Follow these tips for dealing with rude comments at work.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Lead by example. Always speaking positively to your co-workers helps create an environment where rude comments would seem out of place. If everyone around your co-worker speaks in a positive manner, it may encourage her to tone down the rude comments.

2. Ask your co-worker to clarify his comment. You may have misinterpreted what he was trying to say, or he may have been in a rush and his comment came out wrong. Many times, what seems rude is really just a misunderstanding.

3. Deflect the rude comment with a humorous comeback. Showing that you don't take offense to the comment but find it funny instead makes it difficult for your co-worker to be taken seriously. Be careful to keep sarcasm out of your comment, though.

4. Address your co-worker directly. Let her know that you found her comment rude and that speaking to you in that manner during work is unacceptable.

5. Talk to your supervisor or your company's human resources department. If you have experienced rude comments from the same co-worker multiple times, a formal complaint and intervention may be necessary.

6. Consider a move to another department or another position if the person making rude comments is your supervisor. Even with assistance from human resources, working for a rude boss is difficult to do long-term, and sometimes it is better to make a move rather than fight it out.

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[CrystalZoom]

on 6/11/2009 Those are all good suggestions. Sometimes it is difficult to move.