You've got deadlines to meet, reports to finish, and here goes Mr. or Ms. Difficult, making everyone feel like it's hell on earth. How are we supposed to manage these types of colleagues? It doesn't do much if we avoid interacting with these individuals. Ignoring them isn't the best idea either as this often aggravates the situation.
Time.com reports that there are ways for us to take care of these types of people at work. It's just that it may prove to be challenging. These methods are worth a shot though.
The magazine tapped Robert Sutton about his ideas.
He's a management professor at Stanford University and the author of "The No Asshole Rule." Sutton compiled the experiences of individuals who encountered terrible coworkers for his new book, "The Asshole Survival Guide." He shared his own strategies for surviving the workplace.
Use 'positivity' as your coping mechanism
Though people in the office are hard to Deal with, you've got no choice but to suck it up. If you're going to quit just because of a troublesome boss or colleague, you'll end up losing your career. You have to think of it as a temporary sacrifice. In the long run, you'll have the edge, and it'll be beneficial for your career.
Avoid these people at all cost
Transfer to another cubicle just to get as far as you can from this toxic person.
When the boss calls for a general meeting, try to sit farthest from this person to avoid any conflicts that may arise. Moreover, it wouldn't hurt if you rearrange your weekly schedule to ensure minimal to zero interaction.
Stand your ground
If you have the authority over someone and if he or she is misbehaving, it's time to voice out your concerns.
Missing to take action might mean an opportunity may never arise again in the future.
Talk to these people
Sutton said that there are two types of office jerks: the clueless and strategic buddies. For strategic jerks, it might be challenging as they intend to get ahead of everyone, by all means, even if it involves behaving badly.
Talking may work but then again, just don't get your hopes up.
As for the clueless kind, these are the people who are genuinely unaware of their negative behavior. There's a good chance that being honest with this person might actually work. Be frank and tell them that their behavior is stirring a reaction in the workplace.
On another note, it is important to emphasize your principles. You've got to fight for what you believe is right. However, in doing so, just make sure you've done your homework before actually going to war.
