ALT-1 How to Improve your Relationship with a Difficult Colleague
Work, like life, entails encountering people you will not always care for - souls who are simply not your “cup of tea”. Even so, it is valuable to be able to cope with thorny colleagues and even improve relations with them in order to accomplish the mission, work cohesively and be the exemplary employee who wins promotions rather than pass-overs.Write down a few positive qualitiesWhen you dislike someone, it is painless to think about all of the things you do not like about him or her. Maybe they chew gum with their mouth open; perhaps they have a vexing laugh or maybe they talk too loudly on the phone. No matter the case, try to single out a few things about your difficult colleague you admire. It could be their work ethic, their ability to be a dashing dresser or the fact that they have a bang-up grin - everybody has a redeeming quality or two. Write down as many things as you are able and add things to your list as frequently as you can. The more you concentrate on what is right with an individual, the less complicated it becomes to cope with what you consider awry.Remain diplomatic and professional at all timesRegardless of how challenging your colleague may be, it is momentous for you to be above reproach, remaining tactful and professional at all times. Stay aloof and objective. For instance, if the individual endeavors to drag you into an argument, withdraw and walk away, recognizing that you are the more adult individual.Try a random act of kindnessIt could be something as simplistic as buying your co-worker something from the vending machine every Friday. It might just be bringing a cup of java in the morning or even a lunch invitation. No matter what kindness you bestow, never undervalue the power of a few random acts of benignity to better your relationship with any colleague, irrespective of how difficult they are to coexist with in the workplace.Remember, no company has a requisite for you to be best friends or bosom buddies with everyone at your workplace - in fact, that is not a banner move anyhow. All the same, there is no reason you cannot get along with most of your co-workers (even difficult ones) when you put a bit effort into it. In fact, mangers frequently take notice of an employee’s attempts to be sociable with challenging colleagues and take those to heart - it can actually help your career prospects down the line.However, not all problematic colleges can be converted or realize the error of their ways, no matter how much effort you conjure up. For these persons, confrontation and a discourse with management is usually called for. Document major offenses; stick with details and facts to prove your case. Try to come to a resolution on your own instead of relying on management and human resources - unless, of course, harassment is involved.There will always be difficult people in your life. Dealing with them, however, can become easier.
