It’s a simple fact of life that we can’t always choose who we work with. We can, however, choose how we work with them. Here are a few simple ways to make that 9 to 5 a little more tolerable (in order of nicest to rudest).
Control the Conversations
This may sound strange, but it works! One of the most annoying types of coworkers is the one who goes on and on about topics you couldn’t care less about. What’s a person to do? After all, you don’t want to come off as rude, but at the same time you still have work to do. The solution is very simple: whenever possible, be the one to initiate conversation. By doing this, you essentially control what gets talked about and you will most likely end up discussing something you are actually interested in. Not only will your annoyance meter go way down, you will simultaneously be getting to know your coworker without wanting to rip your ears off. And who knows, they may even snag an invitation to your next holiday party.
Vocalize Your Feelings
Sometimes annoying coworkers honestly don’t realize they are being annoying. Their words or actions seem completely normal and acceptable to them and the fact that they are offending or irritating others never even crosses their mind. With these people you have 2 options: you can either confront them about what’s bothering you, or continue putting up with their shenanigans. If you choose to confront them, keep it as polite as possible but be specific on how exactly they are bothering you. Remember, if they don’t know they are doing something wrong, how can they ever change?
Mix Up Your Routines
Sometimes simply changing things up is all it takes to restore your sanity. By taking breaks and lunches at different times than your coworker, you will not only avoid awkward break-room run-ins, but you will also enjoy beautiful silence when Ms. Chatterbox takes her own lunch. Some other great strategies for dodging annoying coworkers include changing the route you take to the restroom or water cooler, pretending to be on a cell phone call, or acting like you are reading a text message whenever your paths are about to cross. Remember, as humorous as these sound, they work!
Go Cold Turkey
Some people are like cigarettes and the only way to escape their poison is to cut them out altogether. The cold turkey approach to dealing with annoying coworkers may be rude, but is sometimes the only way to ensure a productive, and more importantly a sane, day at work. When passing them in the hallway or parking lot, simply look another direction. Don’t speak to them. Don’t make eye contact. Don’t acknowledge that they even exist. This approach is not for the faint of heart, but it almost guarantees an effective outcome.
Consult a Higher Power
You have an HR department for many reasons. One of the most important reason is to help deal with the relationships between you and those you must work with on a daily basis. Keep in mind that running and tattling to the higher-ups every time you don’t get your way is certainly no way to win the “Most Likable Employee” award. But if you feel that you have exhausted every other approach to dealing with a certain coworker, then by all means seek help from the people who get paid to help.
Michael Mashburn - Michael Mashburn
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