Navigating Difficult Co-Worker Relationships

Dr. Jerry Don Smith Jr.

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Dealing with a co-worker who regularly causes drama and conflict can be extremely challenging. Their toxic behavior negatively impacts the whole team. As professionals, how can we handle these difficult relationships in a constructive way?

First, avoid engaging in the drama. Refuse to get sucked into petty arguments or gossip. Kill them with kindness and take the high road. Focus on your own work, not their issues.

Document all incidents should things escalate. Specific dates, times, witnesses, and details give you evidence. However, avoid compiling a laundry list of trivial annoyances. Stick to truly inappropriate or harmful actions.

Don’t gossip or complain extensively to other coworkers. Venting feels good temporarily but often perpetuates a negative culture. Keep private matters confidential.

Have an honest, professional conversation with the co-worker. Calmly explain how their actions affect you and the team. They may be unaware of the disruption they’re causing. Offer to work together on solutions.

Involve company leadership before tensions erupt. They can mediate issues through coaching, training, or reassignment. Most prefer resolving problems directly over drastic measures.

With patience and wisdom, we can learn to handle workplace challenges maturely. The high road is often the hardest, but its rewards are great. What strategies have worked for you in dealing with difficult co-workers? I welcome your insights.