5 Work Rules: Dealing with Negative Co-Workers
Work can suck. Working with people that suck can really suck. Especially when you are trying not to suck yourself. If you’ve vowed to improve your outlook on life then it can be a real challenge when you work with a bunch of bad attitudes. It can be done. One of the first steps is remembering that you’ve vowed to claim a positive outlook on life and that includes learning to deal with the negatives and moving on. Here are a few rules that will help you deal with those less than positive co-workers without making you out to be some pretentious Pollyanna.
Rule #1 – Take breaks. Get away from the office, cube farm, assembly line at your earned breaks. The reason smokers are more relaxed isn’t because they are at ease about death by cancer, but because they are changing the scenery.
Rule #2 – Change the subject. When someone starts complaining you don’t have to contribute to the conversation. In order to transition without cutting the person off you may need to be patient. Wait for an appropriate pause and then bring up a piece of good news.
Rule #3 – Avoid. If there is a particular group that thrives on griping just stay away. Even if you think you are only listening, negativity mentally wears you down.
Rule # 4 – Kill ‘em with kindness. Sometimes people just need to be cheered up and that will snap them out of their phase.
Rule #5 – Pass on the positive. This one gets close to the Pollyanna line but it can be done. Let it be known that you are working on yourself (don’t blame the negative atmosphere created by co-workers) and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how many people will support you. They might even get on board. I used to work with a guy that was annoyingly optimistic, but great to be around. He was always happy and looking for the good in a situation. Kind of like the kid brother you’re glad you never had. However, this kid actually taught me a thing or two about attitude – everyone can benefit from a good one.
You’re never doomed in a situation. It’s just a matter of dealing with it and it can be done. Depending on how long is up to you. -ed