It happens to even the most calm and patient of us – some days you simply can’t stand your co-workers. One breathes too loud, another is constantly biting her fingernails, and your boss won’t stop breathing down your neck. There are days, for everyone no matter how much you love your job, when all of us simply want to fly off the handle.
Jennifer Bailey from our friends over at The Levo League is giving you the steps you need to take to ensure you’re dealing with co-workers and their neurosis effectively.
Here’s how:
1. Take a step back and take a breath. Going for a quick walk is a good way to remove yourself while at the same time giving you some space to think.
2. Write down what happened. What did that outspoken co-worker say specifically that provoked you?
3. Now make a plan of action. Once you understand how you are feeling, you can begin to problem-solve. It’s easy to gloss over a situation and make an accusation to the other person’s behavior, such as, “He must be yelling because he is widely inconsiderate.”
If all else fails, try the old Carl trick from “Family Matters” – “3-2-1, 1-2-3, what the heck is bothering me?”
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
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