Advice for Working with Difficult Personalities

 

Having difficult co-workers is something almost everyone must cope with during their careers. If your peers present a daily challenge, following this simple advice ensures you are successful in a difficult job environment.

 

• Know how to recognize bullying:

True bullying at work isn’t acceptable and you should take action to stop it. Before you speak up, make sure you’re actually being bullied and not just being pushed out of your comfort zone to work harder and do better. Peers that push you to take yourself to new heights are a great asset, even if you sometimes feel uncomfortable.

 

• Document abusive behavior:

If co-workers are making inappropriate comments on an ongoing basis or are creating a hostile work environment, document all the details. Save emails, write down specific comments and aggressive actions along with the date they occurred, and keep careful records. If you need to involve your boss or human resources, the records ensure your complaint is taken seriously and you aren’t just viewed as oversensitive.

 

• Stand up against bullies:

Don’t stoop to their level, but don’t let a bully push you around. Stay calm and remain positive, but be assertive and professional in telling the bully the way he is treating you is not acceptable. Most bullies back down if they see you aren’t willing to play the victim.

 

• Address the issue head on:

If you’ve asked the bully to stop and the behavior persists, schedule a meeting for a private face-to-face sit down. Explain specific instances to the bully where you felt you were treated unfairly or inappropriately. Sometimes, people don’t know how their actions affect others or don’t realize they’re coming across in a negative way. Raising the issue and pointing out the problem could be enough to turn things around.

 

• Report the problem:

If your efforts to resolve the issue don’t work, it’s time to raise the issue with those who have the power to stop the behavior. Talk with your boss and/or Human Resources, and present the evidence you have about past problems. Remain calm and professional, rather than emotional, and be clear about what your boundaries are. If possible, present a solution with your complaint so you come across as someone willing to be proactive in problem-solving. 

If your work environment is full of difficult people and these steps don’t solve your problem, finding a new job opportunity may be your next step. Reach out to The Reserves Network to find out how our staffing service can help you find work with great co-workers.