We’ve all had that colleague who seems to get under our skin. They cut you off in meetings, they take credit for your ideas, they gossip about you behind your back. It can be tough to stay calm and professional when dealing with someone who seems to be doing everything in their power to make your working life difficult.
But there are some things you can do to improve the situation and make sure you’re communicating effectively, even when the person you’re dealing with is being difficult.
Here are some tips:
Listen more than you talk
When you’re in a meeting with a difficult colleague, make sure you’re really listening to what they’re saying. Often, the reason they’re behaving the way they are is because they feel like they’re not being heard. If you can make an effort to really listen to them, they may start to change their behavior.
Avoid getting defensive
If your colleague is constantly criticising you or your work, it can be tempting to get defensive. But getting defensive will only make the situation worse. Instead, try to stay calm and constructive. If you can, try to find some common ground! maybe there’s something you can both agree on.
Be assertive
If your colleague is crossing the line, it’s important to be assertive and let them know that their behavior is not acceptable. But make sure you do it in a way that’s calm and professional. Avoid getting into a shouting match or exchanging personal insults.
Avoid gossip
If your colleague is gossiping about you behind your back, the best thing you can do is to avoid gossiping about them. Gossiping will only make the situation worse and it’s likely to come back to bite you.
Try to find a solution
If you’re having difficulties communicating with a colleague, try to sit down and talk to them about it. See if there’s a way you can both compromise. Often, the reason people have communication problems is because they’re not on the same page. If you can find a way to work together, it’ll make things a lot easier.
Communicating effectively at work can be a challenge, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. If you’re struggling to deal with a difficult colleague, talk to your manager or HR department. They may be able to help you resolve the situation.
