You’d be lying to yourself if you thought your job could be 100% about the actual work stuff. In most cases, working in a position also means coexisting with other live human beings, which can at times feel like a second set of responsibilities in and of itself.
That’s why I compiled 11 helpful tips and strategies for living in harmony with your colleagues, so you can have the best (arguably dysfunctional) work family you can.
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First things first, let’s talk about what you can do to make everyone love you. Chances are if you bring respect, integrity, and honesty to all your interactions, you’re on your way to being an office favorite.
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On the other hand, if you’re having a hard time with a co-worker everyone else loves, we have some basic rules to help you deal. For starters, gossip never helps. Instead, try having an honest conversation, and go into it open-minded.
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Condescending colleague got you down? Don’t let him get to you personally, and before you do anything else, try to take a step back from the situation.
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If you’re worried about being that guy in the office who no one likes, giving people space and keeping things professional are a couple easy fixes you can make right away.
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Being disliked for no reason, though, is another problem entirely. In those situations, it’s most helpful to stay neutral and take the high road.
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Do you feel like you’re always being taken for granted at work? Try solving the problem by communicating the value you bring to the table, or standing up for yourself by saying “no” more often.
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If it’s a stickier situation you’re dealing with, prepare for tough conversations by thinking about what you really want in a solution, and practice talking it out with a trusted friend beforehand.
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Is there an office gossip driving you up the walls? The perfect response doesn’t have to be super long—just pointed enough to stop your co-worker in his or her tracks.
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When something frustrating or annoying occurs, there are good and bad ways to vent about it. To make it easier on everyone involved, try to keep your cool by taking a breather and focusing on the positives.
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And if you want any tips on how to be a better co-worker in general, sometimes it’s just about knowing the right thing to say.