Do you enjoy your job but find it difficult to work with
certain people? Most people have bumped into someone at
work that they just don't like or find frustrating or
annoying to be around. Unfortunately, when faced with a
difficult co-worker, we may not know how to best deal with
the situation. Maybe you think you have to quit, speak
with your manager, or live with your annoyance. Depending
on the situation, you do have different options in dealing
with difficult co-workers.

Since you need to keep your income coming in and take care
of yourself, learning how to deal with difficult co-workers
is important. Stress in the workplace can affect you
physically, emotionally and in all of your relationships.

Before deciding how you will handle the situation with
difficult co-workers, fully understand the circumstances
around the issue. A small conflict may be one that you can
handle on your own; however, problems that are more
complicated may call for the additional support of a
manager.

1. Start by stating on paper the issue - what is the
co-worker doing that bothers you?

2. How serious is the behavior?

3. Write down all possible solutions to the issue. Ask
friends to offer solutions to your issue so you have a
larger repertoire of potential choices.

4. Select one solution that you will act on and create a
plan to handle the situation.

A potential way to deal with a situation is to speak with
the difficult co-worker privately. When speaking with this
individual, you will want to be careful in how you present
the issue. It's important to speak with them when you are
NOT frustrated, otherwise your edginess will show through
loud and clear.

If you are frustrated with a co-worker who can never seem
to get a project completed on time, you may want to offer
to help them create a schedule. If you have a problem with
a perfume or cologne that a co-worker may be wearing, you
may first want to explain any health complications that you
may be having due to the scent.

What if a co-worker talks too much or interrupts you while
you are working? A good way to handle this is to say, "I'd
love to speak with you but right now I have to complete
this project. How about we take a 15 minute break later
and chat?" You are taking care of yourself, still
responding positively to the individual and you are in
control of the interruptions.

If you feel that a co-worker is harassing you, in a sexual
way or not, you may want to refrain from speaking to them.
When a co-worker exhibits inappropriate harassing behavior,
speak with your supervisor or manager. In the workplace,
you can expect to work in an environment where you are not
harassed or discriminated against. If your manager is
acting inappropriately, then speak with your Human
Resources department or your manager's boss.

If you have discussed your problems with a co-worker
personally and have not seen any positive changes, you may
want to consider speaking to your manager on this issue.
It depends on your manager ... some of them just don't want
to hear about the small issues and expect you to deal with
different personalities in the workplace. Others will be
helpful and assist you in finding a solution.

If you have acted on several potential solutions to an
issue and it still isn't resolved, then you will have to
make a decision: Do I let go of the problem with the
co-worker or do I let go of the job? What's important is
for you to let go of the stress attached to the issue ...
find solutions that work for you.

When you can solve workplace issues, you increase your
confidence. Think in terms of solutions for everyone.
Create win/win solutions so everyone feels good about
themselves.

About the Author:

Pat Brill is co-author of "9 Steps to Starting a Women's
Group". To download your Free copy of this e-book, go to
http://www.Womens-Group.net.