Colleagues you hate in the workplace is a tricky situation to handle. Ways and strategies to manage a colleague you hate in your workplace.

You show up to an official meeting early and the only other person sitting there was someone you don’t like. As it’s too late to walk out of the room, you sit down in a corner far away from the person. Then, you spend the next few minutes wishing someone else would arrive at the spot. What can you do?

We are not always going to like all of our co-workers (and not everyone is going to like you). Still, there are a lot of steps you can take to make sure you maintain a stable with everyone.

It’s worth the effort. People with close relationships at workspace are more productive, engaged, and successful than those without. It makes sense, doesn’t it? Most people go out of their way only to help others they know and like. And this competitive business world, having allies is always a good thing.

Here is how you can do it.

How to get along with a colleague you hate to be with?

1. Start by taking a look at yourself

Chances are if you don’t like a colleague, it’s not their chronic lateness to meetings or failure to refill the coffee maker that really bothers you. It’s probably something about their character and personality. In many cases, this trait might closely match something you see in yourself. What can help you is taking a deep and honest look at yourself?

• Why do you have an issue with this co-worker?
• What is the trigger affecting your perception?
• Do you see those lapses in yourself?

If you accept yourself and your faults, it can help you control your reaction to co-workers, which is a lot easier than expecting a person to transform into a different person magically.

2. They know you don’t like them

Those co-workers you don’t like? They probably know about it, and that can only make things worse, creating a vicious cycle of rising tension and passive-aggressiveness.

Your feelings about your colleagues will get mirrored in your attitude and behaviour towards them. If you like someone, you are probably going to be gracious and kind towards them. But if not, you will likely be more impatient and irritated, which will get redirected back to you. People who you don’t like to get along with are going to find ways to impede and frustrate you. So, it’s critical to act fair, impartial, and professional.

3. Find common ground to try a little kindness

Despite how much you might not like a colleague, there must be something you two like (or hate). Finding out your mutual likes and dislikes can be a solid foundation for a conversation. Maybe both of you think that Drake’s continuing popularity is a mystery. If all else fails, there are other tried and true topics: the weather and the commute. Sure, griping about traffic or humidity might not seem like a lot, but having something in common is a crucial first step.

Then again, show a little generosity and kindness.

Running out to grab a snack or a cup of coffee? Ask your co-worker if he or she would like to have something too. Try paying a disarming compliment to the colleague you don’t like. For example, focus on something you actually do like about them (a new haircut or outfit), and tell them about it. Genuine compliments amplify positivity, signalling that you have noticed and value someone. Think about it, wouldn’t you love to heed that you managed a client’s query brilliantly or that your hours of got preparation paid off with a fabulous presentation? In the end, the hunger for acknowledgement is universal. In fact, it can be a vital key to unlocking a new relationship.

We are not always going to like all our co-employees, but that doesn’t imply that we can’t make the best of it. With a little compassion, perspective, and empathy, you can get along with a colleague you don’t like.

Please follow and like us: