Coping with a Difficult Co-Worker

If your job requires you to work in teams, you will likely have face-to-face conflict with co-workers Differences in temperament, goals, speed and ability can create tension among two or more people within an organization Jobsite conflict can interfere with a company's success, which makes getting along with co-workers an absolute necessity, and failure to do so may lead to organizational difficulties or obstacles in your efforts to get ahead Here we provide ten tips for coping with difficult co-workers whether you are dealing with an isolated incident or an ongoing problem If it is an isolated incident

>Listen to what your critic has to say and determine whether their criticisms are valid Although you may find that their criticisms are not valid, actually listening to their point of view will always help

>Recognize that a criticism of your work is not a criticism of you and don't take it personally

>Make sure you clearly understand their issue so you can explain your side of the story

>Be diplomatic Find something about their argument with which you agree, then move the conversation forward from that point instead of stagnating in disagreement

>Ask others in the meeting to offer suggestions

If all else fails, offer to set the subject aside and address it later on

If it is an ongoing problem

>Try to address your issue directly with your co-worker without being confrontational, intimidating or intimidated

>Talk in person or on the phone It is very easy to come off sharp, rude, or brusque in an e-mail when you do not intend to

>If what you have to say is critical of your co-worker, be as diplomatic as possible

>If your co-worker thinks you are the one with the problem, try to be open-minded Listen to his or her point of view before defending yourself

>Be considerate and search for a compromise If you find that you cannot come up with a compromise, agree to disagree

>Try your best to stay calm and remember to treat your co-worker with respect

>If you find yourself at odds with one person, do your best to limit your interactions

>If you cannot solve the problem diplomatically take the issue to a manager, but make sure you have a list of specifics you want to address The only reason to bring up negative issues is to create a plan for correcting them