Just about every job out there requires you to work with other people more or less. And since you’re probably spending more time with your colleagues than with your family and friends, it’s important to have at least decent relationships with them. Because there’s always a way to improve relationships with your colleagues which can create a more positive and rewarding atmosphere.
Sometimes to understand the root of the problem is to understand what drives a person, what are the motives, and why he/she is not in the best mood. For those who do not want to lose their jobs due to not being able to work side-by-side colleagues, here are the top 10 behavioral tips to follow which may help you not only get along with a difficult person but also internally change your attitude towards your co-workers.
Watch your tone
According to It-Rate.co, when a stressful situation occurs it’s best to stick to a low and persuasive tone of your voice, even if you’re totally exploding inside. Most people respond to a tricky situation with their usual communication patterns, only adding fuel to the flames.
Keep calm and save your nerves. More than that, assuming the fact that a difficult person will pay attention to the unwritten norms of decency or common sense is quite useless. Therefore, when dealing with most people it is always best to speak clearly and calmly.
Create realistic expectations
The best way to do this is to promise things that we are sure to deliver. Don’t touch something you don’t really know. Because people will remember your words, and not much time will pass before they will start asking questions. Nobody likes dishonest and unreliable people. So always keep your promises. If you can’t do it, don’t make excuses. Instead correct your mistakes and create more realistic expectations going forward.
Be polite, sincere and direct
Business etiquette has clear rules that regulate behavior in conflict situations. The ability to take criticism and comments and make them yourself, as well as compliments and encouragement is important. Be sure to face people when they talk to you. Smile politely if possible.
When constructive criticism is needed, do it in private, usefully, not viciously. Aim your comments to make the work better. Be honest, but avoid impolite and uselessness. If you cannot help someone, say so directly, but try to suggest alternatives. If necessary, explain the reason for your refusal. Be short, clear, helpful, direct, attentive, careful, prepared for the worst and ready to change your mind or suggest an alternative/idea if needed. Don’t forget about temperance, do not get personal in disputes, don’t cheat, be rude, gossip, don’t be indifferent, agree not with what is being said, not the person saying it. Be attentive to your colleagues, consider their needs, treat them with respect.
Be inspirational
It is obvious that friendly conversations create a pleasant atmosphere in a team, rallying colleagues and, consequently, improving a company’s performance. Small breaks and chatter about anything relieves tension. A nice gesture can also be bringing some snacks to work. Forget about that misery-loves-company kind of talks.
Don’t feed people negative things, depress or weight down those around you by telling about your minor issues, pains, and disappointments. Everyone’s got their own stuff to worry about, everyone has their bad days, and almost nobody really cares about your problems. Stay light, uplifting, and easy. Compliment good work and do favors to your colleagues no matter who did it / asked for it.
Keep your mind open
It’s best to discuss things, not argue about them. Try to stay out any disputes. But if you’re already there, don’t rush with aggressiveness. Observe and think. Some of your colleagues may have tics or quirks that get on your nerves, but you as well may have no idea about your oddity.
So it’s always a good gesture to make peace first and spread good vibes. And you may get it back in return from your colleagues the other time. At other times, try to disagree without looking disagreeable, because that’s a mark of superiority. And if nothing seems to work, oh well, you can always agree to disagree.
Let your merits speak for themselves
You may have a lot more experience than your co-workers, but that is not always enough to earn their respect. A respected person sets an example that encourages others and makes them do the right things. You gain respect with your actions, not years.
It’s obvious that age is not an absolute requirement or some kind of a magic key to open a chest with respect of other people. It all depends on your behavior, relation to others, and, of course, the actions. Don’t forget to act like a pro, do your job the best way you can, treat your colleagues the way you want them to treat you, set an example, and remember that it’s for the common goal.
Watch out for the jokes
Humor and is a great weapon. But there’s always a risk to use it wrong when at work. Remember this and save your wit and best dark/sarcastic jokes for your friends that you know will get you right. Because you might just burn yourself and hurt other people’s feelings when you least expect it.
Words to avoid
The following expressions are not recommended for use:
“That’s news to me”. / “It’s the first time that I’ve heard about this.”
“I called, but didn’t get through”.
“I did come, but you were not there”.
“Searched, but didn’t find it”.
“And I thought …”.
“This is all because of them (colleagues, clients, documents, government)”.
“That was even before that (me)”.
“I told you that (warned you)”.
“Nobody told me that”.
“Never heard about that”.
“I don’t know”.
“Nope, nobody gave me that message”.
“Why me?”.
“I wanted to, but it didn’t work out.”
“I meant well”.
“I told him/her to but he/she didn’t do it”.
Conclusion
Your work is not only a way to make money, but also a place where you can express yourself, discover others, bring ideas to life, and feel the spirit of victory. When you get to the peak, be sure to nail down your success. The most important thing is interpersonal relationships upon which our personal life and business communication are built. Do not be afraid to take the initiative.
You can make mistakes but you must learn to correct and learn from them. Keep in mind that every case is different and it’s all relative. You may find yourself in a tricky situation that requires a different approach. Experience and practice are the invincible weapons of the indispensable worker. Dare, and you will succeed!
