Do you find it hard to get along with some people in your workplace? No matter what you do, some people just always seem to get underneath your skin that it often makes you dread going to work?
Well, today we are going to talk about that because the truth is, sometimes we are going to have to be around people we don’t like and whining and complaining about it will only make it harder.
Remember…
What you resist, will persist – Carl Jung
So I am going to help you get over the resisting part and help you become a master of your work relationships because if you don’t know… True success and fulfillment in life is about mastering the relationships around you, even if they are the most difficult, so let’s learn how to deal with difficult co-workers because there’s no reason to dread 40+hrs of your life a week.
Here are the 4 types of people in the workplace and how to deal with them:
1. The “Woe is me”
This person loves to complain about everything! He/she truly believes life is out to get them. They will be the ones severely complaining about why the grocery store didn’t use their $1 off coupon they got in the mail… To complain about the new workload they shouldn’t have gotten.
How do you deal with a “Woe is me?” You deal with them by not fueling their disdain for life. When you cater to that behavior they will always come to you to vent because you then become their audience. The “woe is me” is all about the drama and drama needs an audience… So, don’t be the audience!
Instead, lead by example. Direct the conversation to one that is more neutral or by setting clear boundaries with them.
For example, “Suzy I am so sorry your day isn’t going well, but for the time being, I would rather talk about things that will make our time worthwhile?”
2. The CLIQUE keeper
This person is the opposite of a team player instead, he/she… (Mostly a she) creates their own clique and you are either in it or not. This person has stuck with the high school model of how relationships should be and make it very hard for you to feel good about yourself if you aren’t in their group. This group will more than likely be the gossipers on the team as gossip needs company and their group is the perfect company.
How do you deal with a “Clique Keeper?” Play Switzerland and be a neutral party. You don’ t have to be a part of anyone’s group because you doing you in the most friendly and caring way possible will send a message that you are not one to be pulled into a clique or gossip. People no matter what personality or quirk will respect that. And should they try to pull you in, you can very nonchalantly and politely change the subject to direct them to something the team can work on instead.
3. The GRUMPY cat
This person is very unapproachable and often, an energy sucker. If you have to work closely with them you probably find it to be a drag because you may feel there is nothing you can do to get them out of their mood… But guess what?! … It is not your responsibility to change anyone’s mood.
Your responsibility is to manage your own mood. so, with that said, don’t take their behavior personally. You can always set boundaries when you need to if they cross the line, but like I said before when you focus on you and what you can give to the team, it makes it hard for anyone to disrespect that.
4. The Opportunist
This person will show up as a friend but will take full advantage of opportunities even if means throwing you under the bus for them. Just when you thought you could confide in this person, he/she is telling the boss everything you thought was a secret. This person may also like to be the star of the team and in doing so, may dim others lights by being buddies with the boss…
Now I don’t want you to be guarded and feel like you can’t trust anyone in because of this, but how you deal with an Opportunist is like this….
First, don’t say anything that could be compromising your job! Definitely don’t let them dim your light but also don’t try to compete with them, because most of the time, an opportunist gets themselves in compromising situations and that is not something you want to be dragged into.
OK my lovelies, there you have it… how to deal with difficult co-workers. Remember, the only person you can ever control is yourself. So be sure to set clear boundaries but don’t take the behaviors of others personally. It takes a long time for people to develop behaviors so… It’s not about you.
But we do have to deal with people we don’t necessarily like often and the best way to do this is to manage our own behaviors and emotions first.
Sound good?
Now, I want to hear from you. Are there any more personalities at work that we can add to the list? Also, if you have a positive way to deal with one of the personalities I listed, comment below! We can all learn from each other.
