Problems with co-workers We are all individuals. Some of us are quirky, smelly, obnoxious, and maybe even exceptionably strange. You will never work in an environment where SOMEONE doesn’t get on your last nerve. Pulling your hair out over this type of thing will only result in premature balding. You can eliminate future problems by improving your ability to deal with all different types of people.
Running into problems with various personality types at work is a common problem. Working at any job involves interacting with individual personalities and some pretty crazy character traits. Sharpening your skills in dealing with all types of people can save you from unnecessary conflict and/or hard feelings. Before you attempt to address an issue with any co-worker, be sure to think clearly on whether there is truly an issue or not. Sometimes we are just having a bad day and taking things personally that were not meant to be personal. Be straight forward in this type of matter. Ask a co-worker immediately, if you have been offended or hurt, whether that had been their intention. Most often, that was NOT the intention of the co-worker and asking the simple question kindly will immediately resolve your mistaken impression. If it wasn’t mistaken, your co-worker will know that you did not appreciate it. This is usually enough for this person to be more careful around you in the future because you’ve now sent the message that you are going to address concerns AS they occur, not after they have grown into huge problems.
Be honest with yourself on whether or not a co-worker is creating this problem single-handedly in case you are contributing to the problem yourself. Be aware that some issues do not necessarily have to be an issue unless they directly affect you; just because you don’t like how something is done isn’t necessarily your business or your concern. Pick your battles.
If you find yourself with an on-going problem with someone at work, get it resolved. Talking to this person is the best way to begin resolution. Focus on adjusting your approach appropriately with a little understanding about the frame of mind of the individual. The methods used in addressing issues with any co-worker should include maturity and a calm demeanor. Your attitude will affect their demeanor; communication does not need to result in an ugly confrontation.
Talk to the person you are having difficulty with in private, if you can. This eliminates the risk of embarrassing both of you. Be kind, but firm, in the matter you are discussing. There is a possibility that your issue could have been a simple misunderstanding. Clear up that possibility first. If you have determined that a misunderstanding didn’t occur (and this problem isn’t just going away), state clearly what your concern/issue is and focus on resolving it immediately. Be open and honest about what is going on that you are having a problem with. Let them know that you are willing to take responsibility for any part you may have played in contributing to the problem. This creates the opportunity for your co-worker to state truthfully how they feel about this issue because you aren’t putting all of the blame on them.
Once the matter is addressed and you have reached an acceptable conclusion, let your co-worker know that this is resolved. You will not be bringing it up constantly or holding a grudge. Let them know that you appreciate their maturity in dealing with this problem so you can both move on without this simmering in the background. If you feel like this person isn’t genuinely participating in bringing the problem to a conclusion, you will need to gracefully make them aware that you are not going to walk quietly away and let this matter continue. Make it clear that you believe you have a legitimate complaint and you wanted to respect this person enough to try to solve the problem amongst yourselves instead of going to management or resorting to malicious gossip. The clear understanding, in the end, needs to be that if this does not get resolved, you will take further action.
Always examine yourself honestly regarding any problems with a co-worker and if you still believe that there is a problem that should be addressed, try the mature path first and deal directly with this co-worker. If this does not supply the answer, move on to management to help you deal with it. Keep in mind that you cannot attack this person verbally or with immaturity or you are creating a worse problem than the one that started this to begin with.
Leave your emotions and judgments at the door. If you can not approach a situation with the maturity that is required, work on your own ability to communicate before you make a mistake you will regret in the future and may cost you your job. Choosing to change your attitude at work before you let your co-workers drive you to medication or quitting is the best first step you can take. Once you have addressed your perspective, you will be better able to deal with the issues that need to be addressed with others.