how do cope with difficult people at work?

Answer 1

Work smart and get promoted so you won't be working with them anymore.

Answer 2

Hi:

I've had to work with back stabbers, bullies and other difficult people. I think there will always be a sort of pecking order in any group. Try to see if you can find some friends in the group or something in common with the difficult people, and then maybe try to talk constructively about any possible problems and try to resolve them in a good workable way, that makes you and your friends look good, and hopefully also the people you're having problems with. Try to really focus on your work and the tasks at hand, so that your actual work doesn't become affected negatively. Think about if your situation would improve or degrade if those people weren't there - maybe that will make you think of things differently.

If you are a female, and the difficult ones are the males, don't be negative or look for things that aren't there, but just be aware of possible escalation of sexual harrassment issues. If something happens that you feel exposes you to that, be aware that if you plan to actually pursue that, you'll need to document every detail, and probably produce at least one witness and report it to the EEOC within 6 months of the occurrence.

I truly hope this helps you, and I hope you are able to find joy in what you're doing. Best thoughts to you!

Answer 3

I work for the XXXXX and I work with many annoying aholes.Being that it is a XXXX job most don't leave. I have found that thinking up imaginary scenarios in my head about them being brutally hurt, or being fired helps. I am an expert at spreading mean gossip whislt keeping my nose clean.I also use subtle forms of harassment on them.<----Ie: move their important paperwork, delete things they were working on, miss direct faxes , take their pen everytime they walk away..childish stuff like that.I relish the times in real life when they have personal and family trouble ... I do all this whilst appearing to be very Sweet and nice.

I have been reduced to this behavior cause again I work with aholes.

Answer 4

No one likes confrontation. Most people avoid it. However, sometimes, to resolve an issue, it is better to speak with someone about it than just complain and do nothing.

Light a candle instead of cursing the darkness.

Speak with the person, with respect, and explain to them things aren't working. Though you may ruffle some feathers at the time of the conversation, the long term effect typically leans toward resolution of the problem.

Answer 5

Smile and greet them. When you have to work with them. Be professional and polite but don't joke around with them. Back up meetings and conversations with them by e-mail. So your both on the same page when you're working on projects with them.

If your boss is one of the difficult people you have to deal with try to transfer out of your department or look for a new job.

If your boss isn't one of the difficult people and understands that they are difficult maybe he/she would have some ideas.

Go for walks during lunch and remember to smile and breathe!

Answer 6

if you do not need to answer to them just ignore them and do your own work responsibly.. thats all you need

if u have to work with/for them then it really depends on the situation
if the perosn is favoured, i'd say then u hav no choice.. as long as the person does not go overboard eg. ask u to lick his shoes.. then just take it as needing more than 100%. for me, when a certain manager got me riled up i just made a little joke in my head: oh he is behavin like dat cuz he's just a shortty little person ( i was taller than him)
if the person is just as normal as anyone else then i'd say when the person does things that is worth reporting then you inform your/his superior, eg he ask u to do his own work that he should be doing

if it really gets that bad that its affecting your own performance/health then quit the job.. though that is not always the solution cuz there will always be similar ppl in many workplaces..it really depends on how you chose to cope with them

Answer 7

Hopefully your work is not directly linked to theirs. If that is so, you don't need to bother with them at all.

If you are on a "team" with the difficult ones, you're just going to have to sit down and have a heart-to-heart talk with them about deadlines, etc. If that doesn't work, you may need to speak to a superior.

If this is just personal stuff (gossip, jealousy, etc) forget about them. There is life beyond the office.

Answer 8

I had this truck partner and his nick name was Godzilla. I just kept being nice to this guy and we became friends. Seems he was going through a hard time with his wife, she finally go into rehab and stopped drinking. Anyway I read about this in Scientology. Now I not a member of this church but I read that the thing to do is to just keep showing these people good weather. (in other words just keep being polite to them, don't get angry). Anyway it worked for me.

Answer 9

When I could I would ignore them. If I had to have dealings with them, I would be as gracious and cordial as possible. I want everyone to, if nothing else, look at my behavior and sense that I am a gentleman.
If that didn't work, I would put marmite and honey on their seats! [Kidding, but a sense of humour helps]
--That Cheeky Lad

Answer 10

That's hard. Being honest in a respectful way is one approach, "You know, Judy, I think it might work better if...". If it is an ongoing personality conflict, it may be time to have a private talk with the supervisor.