Tips for Taming the Savage Coworker

NAPW, The National Organization of Professional Women, allows members and affiliates to post articles of interest to it's blog, however the views expressed in these blogs are not necessarily those of NAPW.

It only takes one difficult person in an office to affect the entire work environment for professional women. If you are dealing with one of these coworkers in your own office, there are some techniques you can employ to overcome the professional women's issues this person may create. Check out these tips for dealing with difficult people at the office to make your professional environment easier to tolerate.

Own Your Role

Personality conflicts in the workplace are rarely one-sided, even if they began that way. Your annoyance, frustration and anger over the situation can also play into the problem. To begin resolving the issues, take responsibility for your own part in the conflict. Do you show annoyance at this person's behavior? Complain about him behind his back? If so, you need to raise the bar on your own actions before approaching a difficult coworker about his.

Don't Expect Big Changes

Face it; professional women will never be able to completely change those around them. The best you can hope for are a few ground rules that you can both stick to that will make the situation more pleasant. If you go into professional women's issues with realistic expectations, you are less likely to be disappointed with the outcome.

Choose Battles Carefully

It is easy for professional women to get to a frustration level that sees a coworker's every behavior as a problem. Some behaviors simply must be ignored, while others are addressed specifically and positively. While you may not be able to change a coworker who sees himself as always right, you can ask the person specifically not to interrupt you when you are speaking in a meeting or criticize you in front of other coworkers.

Avoid Gossip

It is so tempting for professional women to talk about the issues with a difficult person, to find out if others are dealing with similar problems. However, talking about a coworker behind his back will quickly earn you the title of "office gossip" and create a host of other professional women's issues. Keep your frustrations to yourself, and address them with your coworker in private. This keeps things on a professional level and avoids dragging others into your conflict.

Managers are a Last Resort

If coworkers are abusive or antagonistic, professional women may have to present the issue to a manager. However, moving up the hierarchy with your problem should be a last resort. Managers are busy people who don't have time to deal all the professional women's issues that arise in their offices. Try to work with the coworker independently first, presenting the problem and a proposed solution in a calm, professional manner. If the problem becomes worse, you may need to seek your manager's help to resolve the issue.

Difficult coworkers are everywhere, so there is a strong likelihood professional women will encounter one from time to time. When a problem arises, approach your coworker sooner rather than later, and work together to resolve professional women's issues. By maintaining your professional attitude and handling the situation calmly, you will be very likely to regain an atmosphere of harmony to your office once again.