Learn How You Can Work with Unfriendly Coworkers

Dina Montgomery
If you want to learn about how you can work better with an unfriendly coworker then you will want to read this article. Here we will discuss statements to avoid, statements you should use, and what to do when an unfriendly coworker is rude or unpleasant. After reading this article you will be able to work better with unfriendly coworkers.

Some of the statements that you will never want to use while conversing with an unfriendly coworker, you are being rude to me, I don't appreciate the way you are treating me, or I used to think you were a nice person, but now I just think you are a nasty person. All these statements should be avoided at all cost because they bring negative feelings, and that is the last thing you want to convey to this unfriendly coworker.

Now we will discuss the statements you do want to use, such as I hope I haven't done anything to offend you, or did something happen that I don't know about, or you could ask if you have said something that they thought was inappropriate. Those statements have positive feelings and will most likely put the unfriendly coworker at ease, and will cause them to be friendlier towards you.

Some of the things that you can try when a coworker is being rude or unpleasant to you is to ask them if they have an issue with you, to let you know. You could state to them that otherwise you expect them to treat you with respect. Remind the unfriendly coworker that you are at the workplace and they need to work in a professional manner. The best thing to do if you think a coworker is being abusive is to document the interaction and write down any witnesses so you can later contact your HR department for help if that is necessary.

Being able to handle unfriendly coworkers in the workplace will make your job a lot more pleasant, and not just for you but for everyone. By avoiding particular statements, knowing when to use the right ones, and knowing what to do when you come across a rude or unpleasant coworker will make everyone's day easier and more productive.

Now that you know how to handle an unfriendly coworker, you will have more fun and less stress at work. You will be able to get along better with the unfriendly coworker, and will be better able to get your work done better and faster.

Sources: Dealing With Difficult People, Perfect Phrases

Published by Dina Montgomery

I've always loved writing and sharing things with others.  View profile

36 Comments

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  • zinalee2/1/2012

    too bad it's not that easy.

  • Jolynne M Hudnell5/19/2010

    Nice tips here, Dina! I just like to continue to smile and be friendly, because perhaps they just need some positive in their lives! Oh - I guess that kind of matches Suzanne's comment below :)

  • mimpi4/27/2010

    It's an important issue. I agree with Suzanne and I try to do that.

  • Suzanne4/26/2010

    I don't know if I could deal with someone who was just outright unfriendly. My best way to deal would probably be just to kill them with kindness. Good tips :)

  • Charlotte Kuchinsky4/21/2010

    Been there and done that far more often than I'd like.

  • Tracie Walker4/21/2010

    I worked with one woman who was unbelievably unpleasant. Wow, it can make going in each day so hard!

  • Sophie S4/20/2010

    I have dealt with my fair share of unfriendly people at work. It can make the atmosphere so tense at work. Good tips, Dina.
    Sophie

  • Angel Vee4/20/2010

    Fantastic article!

  • Bridgitte Williams4/19/2010

    Fabulous and very helpful article!! :-0 :-) Nice job!!

  • Bridget Ilene Delaney4/19/2010

    Sadly, there are some that are so unfriendly, they report you to the boss on false accusations just to get rid of you.

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