Working with a difficult person can be distracting and draining. Next time a colleague irritates you to no end, try these three things:
- Manage your reaction. If someone annoys you, don’t focus on his behavior. Focus on how you react, which is usually the only thing you can control.
- Keep it to yourself. Emotions are contagious, so complaining about a co-worker can bring everyone down. And it can reflect negatively on you. If you must vent, do it outside the office.
- Work together. It’s counterintuitive, but by spending more time together you may develop empathy for your colleague. You might discover reasons for his behavior: stress at home, pressure from his boss, etc.
Adapted from “How to Work with Someone You Hate” by Amy Gallo.
