People are stressed nowadays. Everyone has a short fuse. When people are grumpy, they become difficult to be around! Right? Chances are, you have at least worked with a few difficult people in your workplace. What if you are a difficult one yourself, for others? Well, you never know.
The behavior of difficult people ranges from having a bad attitude not only towards work but also towards their fellow employees to ‘know-it-alls’.
They have a problem with handling and recognizing change, apathetic in nature and not really a people person. Some more traits: Either they give you a silent treatment or just simply go aggressive. It depends and changes from people to people.
It’s crucial that you pinpoint or address the behavior, right when you see it. Or else, you might be giving the other person an opportunity to continue with this pig-headed attitude. No offence!
See, if you ignore this kind of conduct within your team. One of three things might happen: First, your employee will think that you are incapable of handling nuisance at work. Second, they may start imitating the very same behavior you are trying to eliminate. And third, well, one of two things will happen, mentioned above.
Before we move forward…
First, let’s view some of the traits of work-place bullies:
- They may come in late and leave early.
- Make unreasonable excuses.
- Is always rude to their fellow-workers.
- Sarcastic. There are two types of ‘Sarcastic’ in the workplace. One: The ‘Chandler Bing’ type, which we all love and admire. Always coming up with one-liners to make us laugh. Second: The bad kind. They are usually inconsiderate of others feelings.
- Always, always complaining. Never happy!
- Leaving their work for others to complete.
- Taking longer lunch breaks, or longer calls during work.
- Refusing help or assistance.
- Self-centered.
- Stubborn in nature, very stubborn.
- They hate people and whatnot!
Someone who hates people, possibly is incapable of working within the team or collaborating with others and today, companies run on teamwork. The reason why it’s important to understand how to deal with difficult people in the workplace and we have just the right set of techniques and remedies to assist you. Let’s see what are those:
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Confront them!
Like we have mentioned above. Work-place bullies may leave their work for you to finish. That’s called asking favors and they tend to do that a lot! Or else, next thing you know, your head is in the drawer. They may black-mail or guilt you in doing things! It’s totally unacceptable. Don’t encourage them rather confront them with the same energy you show during meetings! Stand firm and give a shut-up call before it goes out of hands.
However, it is advised you try doing it politely at first. Disarm them with kindness and see if the situation has taken a turn for the better. Dealing with this issue will create a smooth and healthy working environment also increases workplace productivity.
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Don’t let them get to your head
Don’t try to converse with them, often. Don’t let them into your personal lives. Keep it precise and most importantly, pretend, their attitude has no effect on you! Greet them, but keep it simple.
The more you try to be friendly and open yourself up to them, the more reasons they will get to use it against you or mock you! Talk about soccer, we like soccer. Just be very very, professional.
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Monitor them closely
Whether you are a team leader or a member. Always, monitor their behavior. Difficult people are usually work-place slackers! They don’t perform well and sometimes cheat on time. They think they can get away with it. They are wrong.
In order to see how well they are performing at work, use any tool. Any time tracking tool for measuring their productivity levels. We suggest proper surveillance. If they are not adding any value to your company and only wasting resources. You know what to do and good thing you have proof!
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Say ‘WOW’ to tip them off
Now that’s our favorite. Because been there, done that! When we say ‘WOW’ after someone has said something to us in a rather rude sense, actually makes them look senseless and bad in front of other people. It makes them more aware of the words that come out of their mouth, the next time.
Bully: ‘Hey, Danny, you look like a fat cow? Have you been eating?’
Danny: ‘WOW’
Feel that! Bullies are mean. ‘Wow’ makes them feel speechless and make them feel, yep, they have hurt some serious feelings!
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Woohoo! Intervention
I know what you all must be thinking. Why should we intervene, they are not our problem! No, they are not but their attitude is ruining the work-environment, equally hurting work performances of everyone around.
So it’s your duty to at least try and understand their problems. Understand why they are the way they are. Just because they enjoy it or bad child-hood that has shaped them into a freaking ‘Pennywise’.
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Set clear limits and boundaries
That’s how smart people deal with it. Complainers and negative people, enjoy having a pity party. They want everyone to be a part of it so that they can feel better about themselves. Don’t feel pressured and get suckered into the spiral of their negative talk.
You can avoid this by setting clear limits and boundaries. Distance yourself from these people when necessary. Don’t let them control you in any way. Don’t let them think that they can even control you, to begin with.
Even if you are working with difficult people on the same project, it doesn’t mean they are your friends and can have a personal one to one interaction other than work. Thus, maintaining boundaries is important!
Since I am tired of all the writing. I am gonna end this article here! But but but, I’d like you to add more points on how to deal with such people in the workplace. So, are you with me?
Author: S. Dia
Bio: 5+ Years of experience in Creativity. I love making people laugh releases endorphins and relieve stress. Writer. Tea-lover. Time-traveller. Need a productivity boost? Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. Let’s connect and share our experiences!
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