How To Deal With A Difficult Boss Or Co-Worker

There is nothing that can tarnish a great work environment more than having to share it with

someone who has a personality that clashes with yours. What makes this situation even more difficult to handle is if that person either works closely with you or happens to be your boss. However, there are a number of ways to deal with this which may reduce your stress level and make you look forward to getting to work again. Here are some helpful tips on how to deal with a difficult boss or co-worker in the office:

1. Stay Calm

As much as interaction with someone you just can’t seem to get along with may raise your blood pressure, the ideal response is to stay as relaxed as possible. This goes for how you respond to things said or done to or around you that get under your skin. Your goal is to remain professional with all dealings with those who intentionally or unintentionally bug you.

2. Avoid The Problem

If the personality clash is with someone you don’t have to spend much time around in the office, the best thing to do is reduce your amount of interaction. This does not mean hiding from them, but if you only need to communicate directly with the difficult person rarely, then keep that schedule. When you must communicate, keep it brief and to the point.

3. Try To See Their Side

While it may not be obvious at first, but possibly the person you dislike being around is dealing with a personal matter that has upset them. This doesn’t excuse their behavior but it may give you a different perspective. An ugly divorce, ailing family, a death of a loved one or some other kind of trauma may be at the root of this person’s situation.

4. Document Details

If the encounters are causing you severe reactions ranging from sickness to sleepless nights and fear of losing your job, keep track of it. You may need to be able to provide proof of the behavior if it does come to something serious. By writing down details of the conversation exchanges and actions that accompany them, you may help more than yourself.

5. Count To Ten

Timing is crucial when you are dealing with a difficult co-worker or boss. This is particularly

true if you must make contact about a job-related issue and you just witnessed a meltdown.

Choose the time you have to brooch the subject carefully as to not compound what may already be a volatile situation. Wait until things calm down.

6. Investigate Your Situation

If you are able to identify a pattern of some kind, use this to your advantage. For example, if a phone call from a specific person sets this staff member off, then you have identified a potential trigger. By being aware of what kinds of things contribute to this person lashing out or being difficult, you will be able to avoid some of the problem and still get your work done.

7. Leave It At The Office

Regardless of how much the personality clash may affect you at the office, you need to

remember to keep it there. Use relaxation techniques if you have to on your commute home to prevent you from taking any of it out on your family. The last thing you want is to bring the

office stress into your family home – which should be your safe place.

8. Stay On The Job

As hard as it may be at times, a distraction produced by a boss or co-worker that gets your

hackles up should not affect your performance. Even if the person is your direct superior or team member, you must not let their problem damage your work. This is especially true if you are already known as being efficient. Getting derailed will damage that in the long run.

9. Avoid Getting Even

So the boss you don’t get along with has just changed your weekend plans by loading you up with extra work. The last thing you should do is retaliate in any way whatsoever. Remember, you are a professional and you must stay that way even when you feel you are being treated unfairly. Just do the job and add the details to the journal you’ve been keeping about work issues.

10. Don’t Feed The Fire

If the problem is coming from a co-worker or boss who may be reacting to the possibility of

losing their jobs, be careful what you share with them. Chances are you may be approached to rally on behalf of this individual with a superior. The last thing you want is to be put in a position where you are picking sides. Turn the proposal down politely and stick to your job.

11. Take It Elsewhere

On the offhand chance that you see no possible solution coming to remedy the situation you are dealing with, you may need to change the work environment. This means choosing to leave the job you love in hopes of finding a better place to work. While this may be viewed as a last resort,if your health is being affected negatively, this may be your best bet.

12. Steer Clear Of New Ones

If you end up looking for work elsewhere, the last thing you will want is to go from one hostile

work environment to another. When interviewing for jobs be honest and explain why you are

leaving your present employer. Ask if there are procedures in place to deal with difficult staff or management and how this company handles such a situation.

Good Luck!

No one wants to dread going to work, especially if it is a job that they love. However, there are times when personalities just don’t mesh very well. These tips are intended to help you through such an issue. Remember, if your workplace has a policy in place to protect you from this kind of problem, follow the guidelines and seek company assistance if required.