Even if you really enjoy your job and it gives you a great deal of satisfaction, there will always be something or someone that challenges you. And that’s not always a bad thing. Not all your colleagues or stakeholders on a project will be a delight to work with. There may even be that one person who consistently pushes your buttons, making you dread any interaction with them.
If this situation resonates with you, take heart in knowing that you’re not alone. According to a FastCompany article, approximately 80 percent of workers experience moderate to severe stress when collaborating with difficult colleagues.
Regardless of whether your perception of someone, whether it be that they’re difficult or conflict-oriented is justified, it’s a key part of your career growth to hone the ability to work effectively with as many diverse people as possible. By simply allowing someone’s behavior to affect you, it can disrupt your focus and impact the quality of your work.
Some of the most gifted individuals you’ll encounter in your career might also be challenging to get along with. By avoiding them solely based on personal conflicts, you risk missing out on opportunities to learn from them. Who knows, you might even earn a reputation for being difficult yourself.
Instead, it can be far more constructive to recognise that while it’s ideal to have positive relationships with colleagues, it’s not a ‘must have’ for collaboration and success. What does make a difference, is developing strategies to work with difficult people effectively.
Try these essential do’s and don’ts next time you come up against:
Do reflect on your own behavior and how you may be contributing to the dynamic before casting blame. Sometimes, our negative feelings towards someone come from past experiences with similar individuals. Take a moment to recognise this, reminding yourself that your current situation is an opportunity to apply some lessons learned.
Don’t make it personal. Regardless of the other person’s actions, take the high road and hold back from bringing personal issues into the workplace. There can be serious implications for doing so that may follow you for the rest of your career.
Do communicate openly about the issues you’re facing. Your coworker might be unaware their behavior is bothering you. Approach the conversation with care, avoiding accusations. For instance, if they consistently procrastinate on joint projects, you could say something like, “I’ve noticed that we often struggle to meet deadlines when we work together. Is there anything I can do to assist you in starting earlier?” This approach helps address the issue while offering support.
Don’t engage in unprofessional behavior. Creating a positive work environment is essential for productivity and collaboration, which is why it is crucial to steer clear of arguments, unhealthy competition, and gossiping. Instead, do your best to offer encouragement consistently, fostering a harmonious and supportive atmosphere.
Do focus on the potential benefits of collaborating with this person. Whether it’s an opportunity to learn from their expertise, or to produce outstanding work together, remind yourself of the professional advantages you stand to gain from working alongside your difficult colleague.
Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from your manager. In some cases, resolving the situation independently may prove challenging. If you’ve exhausted all your options, approach your supervisor and explain the situation, seeking their guidance to help diffuse the tension and find a resolution.
Stay committed to collaboration and watch your career flourish
Working with a difficult colleague can undoubtedly be a challenging experience that drains your energy. However, it’s vital for the progress of your career and the development of your reputation that you stay committed to professionalism. Showing you can navigate interpersonal conflicts will play a big part in your ability to thrive in the workplace.
