What are your best tips for dealing with difficult people at the workplace?

1. 83

   oceansnsunsetsposted 12 years ago

   What are your best tips for dealing with difficult people at the workplace?
   
   Often the people we work with are people like family in the sense we don't really pick them!  If they have personal issues, or don't work well with people, and try to engage you and cause trouble in doing so, what are your best tips for dealing with them?  It can be anything from jealousy of the level of knowledge because of your time in a job, or great insecurities that come out in great grief for all around.
   
   Sometimes, a person will go to the boss and explain a story that paints you in a horrible light, that is completely untrue.  What do you do in those situations and more?

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2. 0

   JThomp42posted 12 years ago

   Immediately go to personnel and report them and everything they have been doing.

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3. 0

   mjkearnposted 12 years ago

   Hi oceansnsunsets,
   
   I find duct tape and cable ties work very well. Bin liner bags and rope if you just can't stand to look at the person any more.
   
   On a more creative note, spray glue, saw dust and an office fan have worked in the past.
   
   Take the wheels off their swivel chair or connect their keyboard to the bosses monitor.
   
   let the air out of 2 of their tyres and leave a portable compressor, one that doesn't work.
   
   Finally buy a large cheap lemon meringue and cream pie and fake tripping ensuring you hit them right smack in the kisser.
   
   If the above don't achieve the desired result drop me a mail, I have loads more,
   
   MJ.

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      artist101posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      hilarious, great answers. The duct tape and cable ties would probably help in my situation. Love it! 

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4. 71

   davenmidtownposted 12 years ago

   In addition to JThom42's excellent suggestion I would add... keep a journal so that the pattern of behavior can be tracked... If the business which you work for does not care the states personnel board may.  Log and copy emails that you have sent to your boss and HR.... keep an accurate record of abuse, conversations, and outcomes.

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5. 77

   randslamposted 12 years ago

   "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."
   
   Reporting to authorities immediately can also cause you grief as a whistle blower.
   
   I recently had a situation dealing with a drunken group of six men on the job.  I informed them of a wonderful lounge in the area that exhibited naked women...the group was from out of town and unaware of the community's place for stag parties.
   
   They invited me to join them, which I didn't, but by telling them to go to hell in a nice way--they were pleased to be on their way--and out of my hair.
   
   There is always a creative solution to problem people at work...one just has to step back and find the solution...who knows, you may make a friend or ally in the process.  We can catch more flies with honey than vinegar...a friendly, non-threatening approach will always work out better...who knows what is putting that person into the "mood" or "attitude" at work?  You can solve it...and be a winner instead of just a conniving snitch.

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6. 77

   LillyGrillzitposted 12 years ago

   How to deal with difficult people in the workplace, information and tips on this escalating problem. Can rudeness and incivility hurt businesses, or affect health? read more

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7. 59

   BLFConsultingposted 12 years ago

   I had an abusive boss who would yell at his secretaries.  The first time he yelled at me I ignored it. The second time I stood up to him and yelled back.  The third time I had to decide if I was going to put up with it in the future. I decided to go and put in my resignation. I told him that I deserved better.  He said he did't need to yell at me, he does't yell at his daughter. I said "That'so right because you know she won't  put up with it but you still yell at your wife (the office manager).  You yell at friends too and won't change and I deserve to be treated better so I have to leave.  He agreed and   asked me to stay till he got a replacement.  The replacement was aa man. I left on good terms and we remained friends. The point is I expected to be treated right and chose to leave rather than tolerate  it. It wasn't worth the contention that would only get worse and it wad a no win situation so fighting it would not bring a good outcome for any of us.

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8. 67

   PhoenixVposted 12 years ago

   My best advice would be to be as professional as possible. If a fellow employee is a difficult person to work with, do not confide in them or give them any any ammunition to work with that they could use against you. Just be professional and all business, but polite. If they are a trouble maker the boss will get rid of them, more than likely, so just wait them out.

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