We’ve all been there. The alarm goes off, and you find yourself staring at the ceiling, dreading the thought of encountering that person today. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll be out of the office. But that’s just wishful thinking.
Their negativity is draining, not just for you, but for the entire team. However, if they’re not leaving anytime soon, it’s up to you to change how you react and respond in these situations.
Here are a few tips that can help build more healthy relationships:
- Create boundaries. It may be challenging at times (trust me, I know), but if you’re looking to lessen the impact, creating distance can protect you and significantly minimize frustration.
- Identify triggers. Why are they getting under your skin so much? Often, some of the traits and qualities we dislike in others is because we have those same qualities.(not a great feeling 😡)
- Understand communication styles. Are you a detailed email person or prefer face-to-face (or ZOOM)? What about their style? Don’t assume it’s the same as yours. More often, it’s not. Learn each other’s preferred modes of communication, and you’ll see how quickly the headbanging stops.
- Focus on self-care. Although daily massages sound like a great idea, that’s not possible. Dealing with co-workers can take a real toll on our well-being. Try and prioritize activities (in or out of the office) to manage stress and maintain a healthy balance.
Like family, we can’t always choose who we work with. Learning to adapt your approach to various personalities is critical to creating a more harmonious and enjoyable workplace. If you have to do it, you might as well enjoy it.
~ Kathy
P.S. If you would like to learn additional strategies to manage coworker relationships, schedule a complimentary call.
❓ Ever feel like you’re saying the same things over and over but no one seems to be listening? You may not be communicating in a way they can understand. This will help: 4:Reasons Why Your Coworker Stopped Listening To You.