We cannot choose our neighbors, bosses, siblings and co-workers. Well, I am sure we all come across certain species of human origin, who just get on to our nerves. One of such species is irritating co-workers. I have come across ample of them. They can boil your blood with their whiney tone and suck every last bit of your energy by their constant nagging. Few of them may just invade your work space to discuss a personal issue or to give you some first hand office gossip all at expense of your tight deadlines and pending assignments. You have to be tactful in handling such situations because you will be sharing your work space with them. Few things to be kept in mind while handling difficult co-workers.
1. Do not argue: This is the golden rule while handling difficult co-workers. Argument is only going to lead to negativity and ill feeling. Stay calm and try speaking to your co-worker.
2. If your co-worker is someone who thinks discussing office gossip is one of his KRA's then be a little bit more creative. When you see such co-worker approach you just pretend to be busy just open a document (excel, word, ppt) and start typing something joyfully).Try to seem occupied with extra important work. Your co-worker will realize that you are not paying attention to the gossip and he/she will move away.
3. If your co-worker is the whiney kinds then use a different approach. Your co-worker may have some legitimate complaints about the way things are; validate his /her point however make him understand that changing policies isn't in your hand. In case the complaint isn't legitimate then tell them subtly about the work pressure and pending tasks you have at hand.
4. If your co-worker is combative/hostile then please remember that many a times such people just need attention or they have some underlying fear. Do not corner such individuals in a conversation. If the co worker tries to shoot down your ideas, ask them to suggest better options. Do not hurt their Egos in the crowd. Possibly talk to them one on one.
5. If you have a co-worker who takes away the credit for your work, then ensure that you have all items related to your work documented. Inform your supervisor about your efforts related to the work. Also speak to the co-worker and try to explain that what he has done is unacceptable and you would not appreciate the same.
6. Never lose your calm, be poised and always gather your thoughts before you confront your co worker.
7. Making a scene is not going to help you or your co-worker. It is only going to stain your image. Avoid writing mails in anger or speaking to your co-worker in a bad mood.
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