How to Deal With Difficult People at Work
FEATURED MASTERCLASS INSTRUCTOR
CHRIS VOSS
Former FBI lead hostage negotiator Chris Voss teaches you communication skills and strategies to help you get more of what you want every day.
Learning a few simple conflict resolution tactics can help you deal with difficult coworkers and managers alike, making it easier to build positive relationships and reach your career goals.
Learning how to deal with a difficult coworker in a constructive way can help you navigate tricky situations while inspiring a positive work environment. Consider these tips for handling conflict at work.
- Lead by example. When dealing with a difficult colleague, start by analyzing your own behavior. Consider whether you’ve been communicating adequately and empathetically. You may not be required to make a change, but try to objectively evaluate your role in the conflict—if any. If possible, consult a neutral party (ideally not another coworker) who can objectively assess the situation. Increasing your self-awareness can help you exhibit the behaviors you would like to foster in your workplace.
- Confront the situation clearly and respectfully. When confronting a difficult boss or coworker, it’s best to focus on your feelings rather than the other person’s actions. For example, instead of saying, “You always interrupt me when I’m speaking,” try saying, “I feel dismissed when I am not able to finish sharing my thoughts.”
- Learn to manage different personalities. Sometimes, avoiding conflict in the workplace boils down to knowing how to manage different personality types. One colleague might require ample social interaction to feel engaged, while another might prefer to keep their work life and personal life separate. Learning and accepting how other team members operate can help set you and your team up for success. When starting a new job, take the time to ask your colleagues about their communication preferences.
- Refrain from engaging in office gossip. Gossip is a symptom of a toxic work culture. When coworkers engage in gossip on a daily basis, it can exacerbate employee insecurities and damage the self-esteem of your coworkers. Refusing to engage in office gossip can help improve your working relationships as your coworkers will know you’re a safe individual with whom they can place their trust.
- Maintain a focus on your own work. There are many types of difficult coworkers, but one of the most common is a person who’s constantly distracting you from getting actual work done. They may want to discuss personal issues, take frequent breaks, or ask you for too many favors. Be direct with a coworker like this. Try stating, “I’m sorry, but I have a lot of work to do and I really need to focus,” or, “Can we find a designated time to discuss this?”
- Raise the issue with a manager. If a coworker’s behavior is making you feel uncomfortable, and you’ve done everything in your power to reconcile the situation, consider bringing a formal complaint to your supervisor. If all else fails, talk to your human resources department. If a coworker is making you feel unsafe, document these instances to the best of your ability and speak with an HR professional.
