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| Work (Photo credit: Devar) |
I think that most people will tell you that it is the people that
you work with that make a difference in how much you like going to work.
Even if you have a job you love, it can be hard to enjoy it if your work
environment is filled with negative people or co-workers that make life
miserable for you. What if you do have those people at your job?
Should you quit? Or is there another way to deal with them?
There are ways that you can deal with negative co-workers so that
you can still love your job. Try out a few of these techniques:
1. Stay Positive
There’s nothing that combats negativity more than positivity so
when others are trying to bring you down think of something that makes you
smile. Think about a project you love to do or think about the things you
get to do when you’re not working because of the money you earn at this
job. Feel yourself zooming down the ski slope or smell the air on the
beach that you’re going to for your next vacation. Your attitude is the
best thing to combat someone that is trying to bring you down.
2. Avoid Negative Situations
If the lunch room is filled with people griping about work or even
bullies, try to find another place to eat at lunch. Sometimes that is
unavoidable because of weather or company rules though. What then? Bring
some great music to work with you and magazine or book and plug-in and tune
them out. If you can’t hear what they are saying they can’t affect you.
3. Ignore Those That Make the Workplace Negative
Sure, there will be times that you have no other choice but to
talk to them but when you don’t have to, ignore them. Focus on your work,
steer clear of their desk or just don’t make eye contact when you pass.
You don’t have to give them the satisfaction of giving them attention.
Does it drive you crazy that they are always doing crosswords when they are
supposed to be working? Then don’t watch. They will get what they
deserve in the end.
4. Take Positive Steps
There will be times that ignoring someone is just not
enough. If they are affecting the whole work place or they are bullying
someone, something needs to be done. There are two things you can
do. One of the actions you might take is to speak to them yourself.
Sometimes people just don’t realize how they are affecting others. If you
take a casual and non-threatening approach, your feedback may be
appreciated. The other thing you might need to do is speak to a
supervisor about it. If you do choose to do this, make sure you have a
mature manner. Don’t go in with a whiny, “So-and-so is being mean and I
hate that – make them stop!” You will not be taken seriously.
Instead, show your boss how this person is affecting the work place and make
the main concern productivity and morale of the office.
