Five Productive Ways to React to Mean People in the Workplace

In the workplace, there will always be people who will try to make your life miserable. They may do this intentionally or unintentionally. You can either wallow in misery and anger, or you can convert this unpleasant experience into a challenge and a self- development process.

1. WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE BACKBITES YOU

When someone backbites you, ignore it. Why waste your time proving something is false when the truth will eventually prevail? Truth will always come out, whether it is after a long while or just after a matter of days.

"Reacting" to the gossip would make you appear defensive. When someone asks about it just smile and say: "No comment."

But it does not mean that if someone accuses to your face you of a wrongdoing, and in front of other people, you would not be doing anything. You can react in a productive way. Do not reply to any of the derogatory comments at that very moment. Act like you have not heard anything. Instead, write down what he/she said and let the witnesses sign the paper. You can make use of this later in case she does not stop and you would like to elevate the matter to court.

2. WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE MAKES YOU THE BUTT OF HIS JOKES

Just smile and say: "Really, that was a dumb joke," then walk away. It would not benefit you at all to respond to a "crazy" person's distorted sense of humor.

People would know you are the more "educated" person through your actions.

3. WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE HARRASSES YOU

If it's just trivial, then tell the person directly without losing your temper that his/her actions do not make you happy. If he/she still persists, then you have to report this to your boss and/or proper authorities.

Whether it is sexual harassment or other forms, it would be wise to let someone in authority know about it. Be discreet but wise and watchful.

4. WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE GETS THE PROMOTION BECAUSE SHE/HE IS CLOSE TO THE BOSS

There are some people who would do anything to get promoted. They would kowtow to the boss if they know it would help them. In these instances, what you can do is to do quality work. Your immediate boss might not notice your accomplishments. but good work would eventually find their way up.

Higher people in the organization would find out who had contributed positively and you would be recognized and rewarded. Keep trying and never give up. You're not a failure unless you stop trying. Patience and hard work always pay off.

5. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE A CRANKY COLLEAGUE

There are many of these types in workplaces. This maybe because it is their nature or they are too preoccupied with their own personal problems.

Smile at them! Do not be influenced by their bad mood. You should remember that people could only affect you, to the extent that you allow them to.

If he/she is rude to you, then do not act likewise. You do not stick your tongue to a mentally ill person even when he sticks his tongue at you, do you?

It is because you know he is ill; in the same manner that you do not change your good behavior to bad, just because someone is rude.

It should be the other way around instead. Influence him to your positive side. When he shouts, talk in a modulated voice; a person could not go on shouting at someone who speaks back calmly.

In short, react positively to negative occurrences. Do no allow yourself to be pulled into the quagmire of negativity. Be an optimist. Perceive these unpleasant happenings as challenges for you to overcome and an opportunity for you to become a better person.