HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT COLLEAGUES

Nearly 1 in 3 Brits thinks a co-worker is trying to sabotage their career. Luckily, Emma knows exactly how to manage them

I used to deliver a course called “dealing with difficult people”, and it was always oversubscribed because, at some point, everyone meets someone difficult. That’s fine, unless you happen to work with them, like the 37 per cent of Brits who think a colleague is trying to sabotage their career. One in five has felt undermined by another member of staff, and 17 per cent suggest a colleague has bad-mouthed them to the boss. You can’t avoid difficult people, but you can learn to manage them. The trick is to call them out on their behaviour. If someone is bitching about you, bring it up in front of them, ideally when another colleague who is aware is there too. Just state what you have heard. If they deny it, they will be shown to be a liar. If they confirm it, they will need to explain their actions. Either way, it will help to resolve the situation. Another common issue is a workmate who always discredits you, or criticises your suggestions. The remedy is simple: ask for their alternative solutions. This puts them on the spot and gives them responsibility for creating the way forward. Of course, some people simply seek to make other people’s lives hard, and in these situations it’s best to speak to a manager or HR and log any unnecessary and unfair behaviour directed towards you, because bullying should never be tolerated. Above all, continue to be a nice person and colleague, because you will be valued far more than your critical, bitchy workmate.