Working with Bothersome Colleagues

Ever been the recipient of nasty looks across desks? Or maybe even derogatory phrases from an office worker?

Like it or not, the typical work environment means socializing with colleagues. You are after all working in the same company and after the same goals. However, no matter how you try to avoid it, at one point during your career, encountering bothersome colleagues would be inevitable. It could be from something as simple as a misplaced document that could get the ball rolling toward the unpleasant scenarios or sometimes it’s just plain old “oil and water don’t mix” syndrome. The fact is, the office could sometimes be a battleground, harming not only the quality of individual work but the overall performance of the company.

Of course, although inevitable, office conflicts could be resolved if prevented. First things first, before going right up to that officemate you seem to be clashing with often, ask yourself first if maybe it’s your attitude that’s the problem. Most people don’t realize that they are in as much fault as the other party so it’s better to analyze yourself first. If possible, ask other colleagues if they have a problem with your attitude. You could also ask them if they too are having problems with the particular coworker. If the conflict seems to rest on the other party, then talk it out.

Nothing beats a good long sensible talk in resolving a problem.

However, there will be times when you just can’t work with a colleague, regardless of the compromises. In times like these, the best way to act is be civil. Granted, you can’t be friendly with each other, but you can respect each other as coworkers. That base is enough to maintain a harmonious work place. Remember, you are both working to achieve one objective: the betterment of the company.