Advice on Dealing with a Difficult Co-worker

It is a truth that ‘work is worship’.

All the workers of the establishment should always consider the place of work as the place of worship. The boss should be respected and duly obeyed, of all orders given by him at the place of work. And all the co-workers should exist together in perfect harmony and peace among themselves. Such places of work give tremendous results in shorter times devoted to the work. A positive energy too, flows at such a pious place of work.

But very many times we have observed a few fish spoiling the waters of this cultured work at office or other such places. Yes, a few negative workers or the so-called ‘difficult co-workers’ do make their irritable presence felt due to the negativities flowing around them.

The positive ‘chi’ is absent around them.

The question now is, how to deal with such a difficult co-worker if he happens to be working with you, by bad luck.

Read further for advice on dealing with a difficult co-worker.

First of all, scan yourself sincerely and if you might find that the co-worker’s annoyance is due to any of your faults, do not hesitate to say a polite ‘Sorry’ in a humble way. This would certainly wash of all further difficulties between the two of you.

If you judge yourself clean, you will have to zero down on the nature of problem, of this co-worker.

A difficult co-worker can be problematic in various ways like non-cooperation with you, slow work, gossiping around and disturbing others, backstabbing, and so on.

Once you have found the nature of the problem associated with him, try to talk to him on the issue, let him know about the situation and promise him all help from your side.

Gift him a Rose, which is really helpful to do wonders at times.

Or if the nuisance is a small one or can be neglected, avoid it and concentrate on your own work.

If your difficult co-worker is a stubborn type, he will not easily succumb to such tantrums of yours and would stick to his behaviour, as ever and even still more judiciously.

In the scenario, you would definitely have to talk to your seniors regarding the issue. But neither discuss this issue with any other staff member nor try degrading this co-worker in front of others.

If your senior too supports this negative worker, as the last alternative visit the senior management to apprise them of the situation and ask help rather than ask for action against the person concerned. But before approaching them, see that your own work, records and papers are in perfect order.

In no case should you fight it out openly, or lodge written complaints against anyone. These options can put a black mark on your career too.

If nothing seems to work, ask your management for a change in department, to avoid this difficult co-worker.

Changing the job should be avoided and kept safe as the last alternative.

A list of ‘at a glance TIPS” on dealing with a difficult co-worker

1. Talk to him politely to sort out the issue.
2. Appreciate him for his work rather than rebuke him for his faults.
3. Praise him in public or in front of the staff.
4. Do not fight or abuse him directly or through others.
5. See him as a ‘patient’ to be treated, considering yourself to be a doctor.
6. Think only positive.
7. Offer him a gift as a token of respect.
8. Postpone complaining, as the last resort.
9. Invite him at a party to your place rather than avoiding him.
10. Persuade him affectionately to change his ways.
11. Try helping him out by doing his work, when he is overburdened.
12. Order a cup of coffee for him when you order yours.
13. Admire him for any of his positive gestures.
14. Win his heart by love; Aggressiveness won’t pay.
15. Do not over react to the situation in any circumstances.