6 Life Changing Steps You Need to Take to Get Along With a Negative Coworker
Over 75% of professionals leave their job because of a boss they do not like!
We hear about workplace drama, chaotic environments, and getting burned out all of the time!
However, what also is not really discussed in the news is how to get along with someone you work with even if you just don't really see eye-to-eye with. After all, you can’t just avoid them forever so you’re going to have to persevere and figure this out one way or another.
In my experience, there will ALWAYS be someone who you just do not see eye to eye with. No matter if it is your absolute dream job, there will ALWAYS be that ONE person who you just do not vibe with.
Instead of quitting, try out my top 6 tips for how you can get along with a troublesome teammate.
SIX WAYS YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH A TEAMMATE
Identify the IMPACT. First, determine how much impact this person has on your success in your own role. If they are minimally involved, you will have to do less work than if they are your direct manager.
Refocus your energy. Focus on the positive aspects of this coworker. Rewire your negative habit of malicious thoughts about this person and think about what positive contributions this coworker is making on your team. Are they getting their work done? Are they keeping clients/patients/students happy? Acknowledging these things could help you turn the tides.
Look inside yourself. Look inwardly & examine yourself. While it may be difficult to reflect on this, look at your actions to see if you may be doing something to perpetuate the problem? If not, what boundaries and solutions can you set up to make the work environment better for you.
Be honest with them. If this person has publicly undermined you or you feel as though things have gone too far, schedule a 1:1 with this person. This will give them the opportunity to understand where you are coming from.
Avoid creating a negative work environment: Gossiping about this person or being passive aggressive is not going to help the issue. Ganging up on someone and becoming closer to other coworkers because of your dislike of someone is not a foundation for good friendships.
Take action. If you believe that your coworker is maliciously threatening your success, then you should approach your manager with specific data and facts of what this person is specifically doing to undermine your success.
Here’s the bottom line: if you’ve tried all of these steps, ultimately, you need to rise above. If you love your job, appreciate the rest of the team, and this person is not directly in the way, then you may have to live and let live.
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