Here’s How To Deal With Shady Co-Workers in The Office

In a dream world, you get to be the office wifey to at least a handful of people and universally adored by your colleagues. In reality, whilst you may have a few people who have your back when times get tough, or at least a work BFF, you’re bound to butt heads with someone eventually. Nobody can deny it’s awkward when you don’t get along with someone you have to share an office space with for 8 hours a day. How to deal with personality clashes or someone being shady? We’ve got you covered.

1 Don’t be afraid of confrontation

Confrontation is an inevitable part of working, especially with tight deadlines and a high-pressure environment. Don’t completely loose your cool, or you may loose your job, but do be willing to have a constructive conversation with whoever’s trying to stir the pot. Trying to get to the bottom of what’s really going on by having some real talk with a co-worker can help smooth things out. If all else fails, start to consider taking it to management.

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2 Try not to jump to conclusions

If you’re in an office spat, it’s easy to let your imagination run wild. Whether you’ve been subject of workplace gossip or you find out your project manager may or may not like you, don’t be hard on yourself. You can’t control people’s perception of you so try not to internalise unconstructive criticism or office pettiness.

3 Don’t get caught in the feels

It sucks that we can’t just scream and/or ball our eyes out in the office when we need to but there’s not a lot of space for showing your full range of emotions. Especially in male-dominated industries where gender roles and stereotypes are still a part of office culture, women have to fight to be taken seriously and it’s shitty that crying is perceived as a weakness. Try to hold it together until you are in a situation or safe space to let it all out.

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4 Leave the gossip at home

The petty side of us all just wants to dish on some dirt and call-out the haters making life difficult at work. The thing about gossip is it’s bound to get back to you at some point, one way or another. Gossiping at work is a sure-fire way to make you seem immature and unprofessional, even if your feelings are valid. Everyone has to vent, so confide in a trustworthy friend you don’t work with to listen to your woes and keep it moving.

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5 Stay slaying

At the end of the day, you’re working, on your glo up, and making your paper. Be proud of that and remember that not everybody is going to like you and that’s totally okay. Even if someone is being nasty or unnecessary, stay focused on your goals and keep your eye on the prize by being your best self.

Source: http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za/career-money/career/heres-how-to-deal-with-shady-co-workers-in-the-office