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Apr 28, 2016
SkillPath Staff
Unless you work by yourself in the vacuum of outer space, there is a 100% chance you will face a conflict at work with a coworker. This isn’t always a bad thing. There is no growth without some conflict. But when these conflicts affect your work and productivity that is a problem that must be dealt with. You don’t all have to agree or get along, but you do have to work together. And don’t believe for a moment that the only people affected by the personality clash are the participants. Everyone in the office is impacted.
That is why it’s so important for you to approach conflict with a new perspective. Working successfully with everyone, even though it may be challenging in some circumstances, is critical to your future. Here’s some tips to make sure personality clashes at work don’t become personality wars…
Don’t be part of the problem
You may have a role in the personality clash. Is it time to look in the mirror and evaluate your own responsibility?
Avoid gossip and office politics
It’s difficult to not get involved in rumors, gossip and office politics. However, at work, this behavior is harmful. It wastes time, causes divisiveness, creates anxiety, lowers morale and damages reputations.
Know the difference between ‘difficult’ and ‘different’
The difference between “difficult” and “different” may sometimes seem narrow. When someone acts in a way that conflicts with our way of doing things, we tend to label that person “difficult.” However, difficult behavior is distinguished by its planned nature. People who throw temper tantrums to get their own way have actually made a choice, based on evidence, to behave in that way because it works for them. On the other hand, people who are much faster or slower in their daily pace than you—however “difficult” it may be for you to cope with that behavior—are exhibiting a “difference.”
Get to the root of the problem
There is always a reason behind a problem. Look for these possible motives:
Avoid negativity
If you work with a negative person who focuses on bad things and ignores the positive, don’t let it affect your performance. Manage it. Here are four of the best ways:
SkillPath Staff
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