While we use most of our time working, there’s always a price tag attached. That price tag is the interpersonal relationships at your workplace. Whether they’re backstabbing, harassing, gossiping, bullying, or being negative, working with a toxic coworker can cause you to perform poorly at work.
If you’re experiencing this sort of toxicity at work, you don’t have to be concerned; below, you’ll find 10 steps you can use to handle those toxic persons with consideration.
Staying calm
Your job is your principal source of income, no matter how a toxic coworker may get under your skin, and you must learn to restrain yourself. It would be best if you remained in a professional manner because your job will be on the line.
When you’re approaching a vindictive coworker, you should do so in a calm and composed manner. You shouldn’t engage in awkward, uncomfortable standoffs with them because it will save you mental agony doing so. While you should develop toughness, you should also try to resist bitter resentments.
Keeping in-depth report
While some persons think that not engaging with a toxic person is the most suitable way to cope, you may be required to work in the same space; therefore, you should keep a detailed record of your interaction with them. It is best to have backup information if things get ugly in the workplace.
While we would like to rise above the noise, it is easier to speak than to do it. You can keep track of your conversations by using email messaging and avoid having one-on-one conversations with them.
Limiting engagement with coworkers strategically
Toxicity can spread easily and quickly in any organization, which can leave you feeling exhausted. Limit your reach with persons like this. You can use verbal cues and cut a conversation by letting them know you have other engagements.
Rewarding good behavior
An unsafe workplace can make employees anxious, which will affect production, but if you instead praise people when they do good by smiling, engaging, and agreeing with them will allow you to flourish.
Setting examples for others
Implementing change can be difficult at times but not stooping to the level of toxic coworkers and maintaining a positive persona for those around you will keep you from feeling like they won’t change.
Venting outside your workplace
Venting to a friend outside of your coworkers may help you eliminate any pent-up frustration you have. Doing this will avoid awkwardness at work because the person you vent to doesn’t work at your workplace.
Conversing with others
Talking to others may put you in a very vulnerable position, but if you don’t, then you agree that they’ll never change their behavior. A coworker can make the environment toxic for others by aggressive and negative. If you show that toxic coworker empathy and kindness, then you have a great chance of breaking the cycle.
Learning to cope using different means
You can’t fix a toxic coworker’s personality after trying, so you’re only left with the options of either leaving them alone or learn to address it. When you try to show them that their behavior isn’t appropriate and they don’t listen, you will have to set boundaries to protect yourself.
Some coping mechanisms are breathing, not judging the person, and accepting your feelings and thoughts.
Verbally consulting with your superior
Deciding to talk to your boss can be tough. You run the chance of your plan backfiring when using this means to solve your problem. Even though your professionalism and other things such as your job review may be forefront and you run the risk of being bullied, you should still go to your boss.
You can suggest a meeting where core rules are revisited with no one being singled out. The ultimate plan is to get everyone on the same page and let persons with a power position aware of what’s taking place in the organization.
Avoidance
A toxic employee can do more damage to an organization before they’re identified. If all you tried fails, you start staying clear of them like they’re the plague.
