5 ways to effectively deal with a difficult co-worker who gets on your nerves?

We all have at least one colleague at work who just gets on our nerves, sometimes even when they have done absolutely nothing wrong! Dealing with workers whom we always seem to be in conflict with becomes extremely challenging sometimes. With just their arrival having the power to turn your smile upside down, we all know how fast a difficult coworker can ruin our entire day. Whether they are gossip mongers or ones who steal your ideas and present them as their own, if you are having trouble tackling that aggravating coworker we are here to rescue you! Here are 5 ways to deal?with colleagues who get on your nerves.

Also Read:?Clashing with coworkers? Try these 6 ways to effectively navigate conflicts at the workplace

Ways to deal with a challenging coworker

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1) Have a positive attitude

If you approach things with preconceived notions or a negative outlook towards your colleague, you are more likely to worsen the situation. It is important for you to open your mind and let your judgments or past experiences aside to tackle each situation like a new one. While dealing with that difficult coworker try to keep your emotions and don't let yourself be adversely affected by situations that are outside your control.

2) Identify what you have in common

To effectively engage with a challenging coworker try to establish some commonalities. Whether it is work-related or not, it is always easier to build rapport with someone if you share some similarities and highlight those. By knowing them on an interpersonal level, you will eventually be able to deal with them much more easily on the work front.

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Also Read:?How to make friends at work and why they are important

3) Try to empathize with them

We all inherently want to be understood. It is important to gauge the other person's mindset when you are trying to deal with them, especially when disagreements or conflicts arise. Adjust your tone and facial expressions so as to ensure that you are actively listening to them and giving their suggestions sincere consideration, no matter how much you disagree with what they are saying.

Pro tip: The general rule of thumb suggests treating everyone in a manner that you want to be treated.

4) Take a pause before reacting

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Sometimes if we are irritated we tend to completely block what the other person is saying. Also, if a coworker, whom you already don't like, says something particularly triggering you tend to take the offensive route and blurt out something offensive. It is crucial to keep a rational mind and take a pause before reacting rashly. Repeat your words in your mind first and alter them if required till you are left with words that can convey your disagreement in a professional manner.

5) Create distance and set boundaries

If even after applying your techniques you still feel that no matter what you do some people just manage to get on your nerves and create a toxic or unpleasant environment, just limit your interactions. While yes, it is important to maintain a healthy relationship at work try to keep your conversations to the point and just about your work responsibilities.

Also Read:?Work smarter, not harder: 5 ways to be more productive at your job

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