Resolving Difficult Situations at Work

Dealing with difficult people at work can be challenging. The issue may be a boss who seems to undermine productivity rather than enhance it, or a coworker who thinks the only way to get to the top is to stab people in the back. In other instances, the problem has to do with clashing personalities, or a coworker who doesn't hold up his or her end of the workload. If you are facing situations like these, here are some possible courses of action.

Step 1

Determine if the situation is one that you can live with. Is the nature of the problem such that it interferes with your ability to function in the workplace? If so, then there is a good chance you can put the matter out of your mind for the eight hours you are working, and do just fine. If not, then it may be simpler to distance yourself from the individual, remaining polite but not encouraging a lot of interaction with those difficult people in the workplace.

Step 2

Attempt to resolve the situation on a one-on-one basis. Whether the clash is with a coworker or your boss, it is a good idea to try to work out the situation between the two of you. Make sure to address the matter away from prying ears. If circumstances warrant, address the issue with a neutral party present, so there can be no question later on of what actually transpired. You may find that the conflict is the result of a miscommunication, or some factor that one of you was not previously aware of. When this is the case, talking it out can make things better for both of you.

Step 3

Take the matter to Human Resources. In situations where you have made attempts to resolve the issue with the other party and the effort has failed, schedule a meeting with Human Resources. Make sure you have all the names, dates, and places straight before going into the meeting. Ask for intervention and resolution of the matter as soon as possible. You never know when similar complaints have been logged and your additional complaint may be all that is needed for Human Resources to have grounds for removing the offending party from the company.

Step 4

Find another job. If it proves impossible to resolve the issue on your own or with the aid of Human Resources, your best bet is to seek employment elsewhere. This may mean taking a pay cut, but if it gets you into a work environment where you are not stressed out each day, are appreciated for your efforts, and have the potential to advance, some budget tightening is worth it.

Tips and Warnings

More often than many people realize, Human Resources will take your complaint back to your manager and tell him or her to resolve the matter. Even if the immediate problem is resolved, there is the chance that your manager will resent the fact you went over his or her head, and be on the lookout for reasons to make life difficult for you. While this does not always happen, it is important to be aware of the possibility as you decide what to do about the problem.