It’s a fact of life that you will, at some point, face someone in your work life that you will not like. It could be an unsavory person, a backstabbing person, a gossip, or the like. If you have not experienced this yet, you will. It’s not a good “workplace story” unless there is someone who is driving you mad. Though not dissimilar to a friend or family member that may not be your favorite person, this work rival will eventually crawl under your skin. With a friend or family member, you love them regardless of minor flaws or personality issues. With work people, it’s a different story.
My advice is as follows:
Though it may seem easy to become catty or gossipy yourself, please take the high road. Temporary fixes (i.e. making yourself feel better with a mean remark) will not lead to long-term enjoyment of your job. If you work in a toxic environment, it ultimately will take a toll on you. However, if you love your job and work with integrity, you can rise above the situation. Think about the bottom line: you are there to earn a paycheck and hopefully attain job satisfaction.
There are always mean girls – don’t be one of them. It may be a stereotype, but women-centered offices are typically gossipy and petty. Don’t allow yourself to be sucked in to stupid drama that has nothing to do with you. You don’t have to be antisocial, but it’s usually best to keep your conversations as professional as possible with the majority of people. I suggest finding one to three people that can be confidantes at work, but complain about your job to the people you trust (friends and family).
Be fair – and be an adult about things. If you believe you’re being treated unfairly, you must speak up to your immediate supervisor (or his or her supervisor, if your immediate supervisor is the problem). Remember to always be professional and look for a solution to the problem. You can say, “There is a conflict but here’s a way to solve it.” Management wants to hear solutions, not complainers.
Regardless of how you choose to deal with workplace adversity, stay smart and strong. Things can always be worse.
For more information on work-related topics, visit college job bank.
My advice is as follows:
Though it may seem easy to become catty or gossipy yourself, please take the high road. Temporary fixes (i.e. making yourself feel better with a mean remark) will not lead to long-term enjoyment of your job. If you work in a toxic environment, it ultimately will take a toll on you. However, if you love your job and work with integrity, you can rise above the situation. Think about the bottom line: you are there to earn a paycheck and hopefully attain job satisfaction.
There are always mean girls – don’t be one of them. It may be a stereotype, but women-centered offices are typically gossipy and petty. Don’t allow yourself to be sucked in to stupid drama that has nothing to do with you. You don’t have to be antisocial, but it’s usually best to keep your conversations as professional as possible with the majority of people. I suggest finding one to three people that can be confidantes at work, but complain about your job to the people you trust (friends and family).
Be fair – and be an adult about things. If you believe you’re being treated unfairly, you must speak up to your immediate supervisor (or his or her supervisor, if your immediate supervisor is the problem). Remember to always be professional and look for a solution to the problem. You can say, “There is a conflict but here’s a way to solve it.” Management wants to hear solutions, not complainers.
Regardless of how you choose to deal with workplace adversity, stay smart and strong. Things can always be worse.
For more information on work-related topics, visit college job bank.
By: Amy Muldoon
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!