Dealing With the Difficult in the Workplace

We all have one: that one co-worker or boss that gets on your last nerve.

You do everything to avoid them. You don’t take breaks at the same time. You avoid conversation. You even remove yourself from the same work environment, but here they are, plucking your last nerve. Don’t be the bigger bully or just straight knock them out. Remember, you need your paycheck.  Instead of praying that your shift gets changed or they catch the flu “unexpectedly,” here are some ways to keep your cool and keep your job.

Evaluate your circumstances

Weigh it out. Slap them silly or focus on the task at hand? After you remove yourself from the situation, sit down and think. Is there a way to fix this problem? Can I avoid this in the long run? Is there a higher-up to help me in this situation? Lastly, do I need this paycheck? The answer to all of these questions is yes. Explain your situation with your boss or even their boss if your boss is the issue. Be completely honest. Moving your desk, switching your break time, and switching your shift are all doable ways to put a halt to a catfight. Remember, jail time isn’t fun, according to Beyond Scared Straight.

Confront Them

Have you ever considered that the enemy doesn’t know they are pissing you off? It happens. That one annoying thing they do can be something they don’t even notice, like tapping their pen, talking over you, being bossy/aggressive, or not following your taught morals. Have a talk with said annoying coworker. Tell that mother brother in a confirming voice that you don’t like their horrible actions, and they need a chill pill. Those who don’t speak up are never heard. Remember, it’s how you say it that matters. This means to use your inside voice and not your “omg, I can’t stand that $%#*% voice.) If you can bring yourself to even look at them, allow a higher-up to handle it. Sometimes you just fix your lips to say something nice to a rude person. It’s cool. Call a boss.

Set Limits

Decide what is acceptable and what isn’t. A coworker tapping their pen on their desk can be easily counteracted with headphones, but a coworker talking smack about your mom may be pushing the limit. Pick your battles. It may not be best to throw a chair at someone for something tiny verses something that is considered harassment. Here is when you use your best judgement. I believe we can all agree that popping gum is far less girl fight worthy than a coworker stealing your lunch.

While we all have that one co worker that gets on our last nerves, when you remove yourself from the situation, things become  a lot clearer. Take chance to step back and evaluate what is the real issue and how it can be fixed. Include your boss or a company manager. Sometimes they are professionals at dealing with the worst of the worst. Be straight forward and honest and know what your limits are. At the end of day, we all need that paycheck.