Workability
Difficult workers demystified
Roopa Hegde

EVERY one of us is destined to bump into difficult people at some point in our lives. This can happen anywhere, anytime and the workplace is certainly no exception. Dealing with difficult colleagues is probably one of the hardest jobs that you have to put up with each day of your working life. Although it may be inevitable, you can always do something about it.

Broadly, there are four different types of difficult co-workers as described in some of the research done in this category.

• People who come out charging, always on the offensive, believing their bosses and co-workers to be inferior.

• People who try to avoid problems rather than deal with them.

• People who create a negative environment in the office by being sarcastic and casting doubt on everything/everybody.

• Those nice people who can’t save their lives by making their own decisions.

So, what really does it take to face and deal with such people? Try these tried and tested suggestions:

Sometimes it might so happen that you assume things for yourself based on what you merely see or hear from other people. That might make you categorise the person as a difficult co-worker. In such a case, keeping an open mind and getting to know the person would certainly help.In case you’ve done anything to hurt him knowingly or unknowingly, do apologise.

Usually, differences arise out of ego clashes between a leader and an independent employee. A leader generally wants to befriend the kind of people who are friendly and dependable whereas a thoughtful independent individual likes to be with a playful, ongoing person. These differences could lead to friction as the dominanting person wants things done immediately and doesn’t understand why he can’t have his way any sooner. The reflective person wants to think through things looking at every nook and corner before making a decision. In case you’re in such a situation, try to see those qualities as gifts instead of difficulties.

Whenever you come across any sort of disagreements, don’t be under the impression that confrontation is the only way out. You can also invite the person over a cup of coffee and casually sort out differences. Talk things out and listen carefully to the other person. You need not be best friends but always be civil to each other and be in a win-win situation, clearing the tension out.

No matter how difficult a person could be, there’s always an positive side to him. Be open to the other person’s opinions, viewpoints and ideas and find something to appreciate and comment on in a favourable way.

In a nutshell, it’s natural to label people as difficult when we perceive their behaviour to be difficult, especially when it seems to be chronic. Effective responses depend upon your particular skill set and the way you choose to cope with the other person. Make a healthy move.