Tip #425: 7 Quick Tips For Dealing With A Disruptive Coworker

Personalities can and will clash in the workplace. How you deal with it makes all the difference in the world, especially if you work in a team environment. 

The key to dealing with a disruptive coworker is handling the situation properly. If it is not done well or smoothly, it can make the work environment stressful and less productive. And to help you learn the fine art of dealing with a disruptive coworker, we have listed below seven tips for you (or someone you know) to review. 

7 Quick Tips For Dealing With A Disruptive Coworker. 

Tip #1: Remain Calm - Instead of reacting instantly to someone's irritating behavior, take a moment before you issue a harsh reply or fire off an angry e-mail. Your response needs to reflect your professionalism; an angry response only exacerbates the situation. If this is a larger and more complex problem, schedule a meeting with your manager for the following day when emotions tend to be a lot lower. This will allow you to approach the situation with a fresh and less emotional perspective.

Tip #2: Talk With The Other Person - Most understandings occur because of a breakdown in communication or a misalignment of intentions. Be sure the difficult coworker clearly understands what the issues are from your end. Additionally, recognize that the coworker may feel threatened by you. And should they feel threatened or defensive, it will put them on alert. 

Hint: By expressing empathy or an interest in this coworker's hobbies, you could begin breaking down the barriers you may have (and help build a rapport) with him or her.

Tip #3: Get Advice From Others - Seeking the advice of a trusted colleague or manager might help you deal with a difficult coworker; however, be careful as you don't want to be seen as the office gossip. If you need to vent about a difficult coworker, consider speaking to friends or family members outside of your workplace. Others may see the situation differently and may offer options you had not considered.

Tip #4: Remember The Golden Rule - Avoid treating the difficult coworker as though he or she is incompetent. You will get a better response if you avoid this altogether. 

Tip #5: Form A Plan - To avoid being unprepared when dealing with this coworker, formulate a plan and keep accurate records. Let's say a coworker fails to meet deadlines. Save your e-mails and document this information so you have some facts to back up your claims.

Tip #6: Ignore The Difficult Coworker Altogether - If you don't get along with this coworker, only interact with this person when it's required - this will reduce your stress level and help you stay on task. While you can't control someone else's actions, you can at least remain in control of your own work.

Tip #7: Talk To Your Manager - If the above tips have failed to resolve issues, it's time to talk to your manager. This is especially important if the coworker's negative behaviors are stifling your productivity.

Executive Summary: Almost all work environments have a difficult employee. That being said, handling these situations with diplomacy and tact is your key to minimizing stress. When all else fails, be sure to bring disruptive behavior up with your manager sooner versus later. Doing so will help you avoid a total meltdown or team disintegration.

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