1. Dealing with anger at work
There may come a time when you find yourself dealing with anger at work. It may be your anger or someone else’s. Whatever the situation, it’s vitally important to diffuse the discord as quickly as possible. It’s no secret that a stressful work environment is an unproductive one. Keep reading to learn more about maintaining harmony on the job. It can be done.
Take a Deep Breath
When people get angry, they tend to say things that only make the problem worse. If you ever feel yourself starting to get frustrated at work, take a deep breath and count to three. It may not seem like much, but it can be enough time to regain your focus in order to keep your composure. If you’re talking to a co-worker and feel yourself starting to get upset, consider asking that person if he or she can come back and talk to you at a later time when you feel better.
Focus on the Issue
If you are having a hard time getting along with someone at work, it can really make it difficult to interact together effectively. In this case, it’s important to only focus on the job-related issues you have with this individual and not the dislike you may have with them as a person.
Remember, lashing out at your co-workers can create more problems and make getting along with them extremely difficult. This can lead to an increase in the anger and anxiety levels of everyone involved.
Express Yourself Clearly
It can be very frustrating when it seems that the people around you don’t get what you’re trying to say. Typically, when you get angry, it becomes somewhat difficult to express yourself in a way that everyone understands. For best results, always make sure to speak calmly and clearly. Express your side of the issue without being defensive or placing blame.
Know Your Limits
Do you find yourself getting angry often? If so, it’s important to identify what sort of things set you off and also be able to recognize when you’re starting to feel upset. When you’re quick to anger, you might find yourself in an argument before you know it. So, recognizing the fact that your behavior is starting to get aggressive makes it easier to calm down and focus on solving the issue at hand.
Remove Yourself from the Situation
If your job presents you with a situation you feel you can’t handle, do whatever you can to get yourself out of the situation as calmly and quickly as possible. Politely ask the individual you’re dealing with if he or she can wait a few moments while you find someone else to assist them. This is a much better alternative to having an outburst in front of co-workers or customers. You’ll usually find it much easier to calm down once you’ve taken yourself away from whatever it is that is stressing you out.
Dealing with anger at work is never a pleasant experience. However, armed with this information, it should make difficult instances a little bit easier on everyone concerned.
2. Dealing with bullying at work
Bullying, regardless of the location or situation, should never be tolerated. There is no excuse. This is especially true when the bullying occurs at your place of employment. Here are some of the things you should do, in the event you come in contact with a bully. Don’t let the individual get away with it!
Deal with the Situation Immediately
If you’re having problems with a bully at work, you may be tempted to ignore them and hope that they stop bullying you on their own. The thought of confronting a co-worker who is already being aggressive is certainly intimidating. However, ignoring the problem isn’t going to make it any better. The bully will likely continue to pick on you if they feel so they can do so without consequence.
Be Professional, But Firm
While confronting your workplace bully, it’s important that you don’t stoop to their level. While getting into a screaming match might blow off some steam, it ultimately lets the bully know he or she can get a reaction out of harassing you.
Don’t let your emotions get the better of you during a confrontation. Let the bully know exactly what it is they’re doing that’s unacceptable in a calm, firm voice. If they refuse to have a reasonable conversation with you, try to ignore them and tell them you plan to talk to the supervisor. Don’t let them pull you into an argument by pushing your buttons.
Keep Track of Everything That Happens
Document everything you can about each case of bullying you experience, with as much detail as possible. Try to include the date, time, names of any witnesses and the details of the incident. If the bullying occurs through email, be sure to keep all of the emails and print out copies. You can present these to your supervisor later if you decide to get them involved.
Call for Help If Necessary
In some cases, you can get the bullying to stop by talking it out with the person. Once some bullies realize that they’re causing serious harm with their behavior, they put an end to it. But, in most cases you will have to talk to your boss or HR representative about the problem behavior in order to get it to stop.
Let them know how the bully is causing a negative impact on your work performance. Don’t forget to take your documentation with you. It’s also wise to ask if you can bring your witnesses along so that they can help you explain the situation.
Don’t Let It Get to You
Even if you get the bullying to stop, you may still feel hurt emotionally by the experience. Try to remember that their behavior is about issues that they are experiencing, not about you. Don’t let their insults have an impact on the way that you view yourself or your work.
It’s unfortunate that as long as there are mean and angry people, there will be bullying. But, the good news is that as long as you’re confident enough to report it, chances are you’ll successfully stop the bully in his or her tracks.
3. How to best cope with a difficult manager
It certainly isn’t easy to cope with a difficult manager. When these uncomfortable run-ins occur frequently, it generally makes the situation even worse. Reading the following advice is a great first step toward rectifying the problem. If these suggestions don’t help, consider speaking with your manager’s manager. Don’t give up!
Examine the Situation
Sometimes, it can be difficult to admit our own faults. Before you decide your manager is being hard on you, think back to your past interactions. Is your manager really being difficult or simply pushing you to do everything that you work requirements dictate?
Find Out Why They’re Difficult
If you decide that the problems between the two of you does stem from your boss, you need to find out why he or she is acting this way. Otherwise it will probably very hard to shift your relationship with them.
Put yourself in your boss’s shoes and imagine how you would feel if you were dealing with the same situation. It may give you some insight on why your boss is giving you a hard time.
Consult with Your Co-Workers
Your co-workers may be able to tell you a bit more about why your manager acts a certain way, especially if you are relatively new to the workplace. Ask them if they notice the behavior, and if it’s typical of your manager or something that person has only been doing recently.
Not only can your co-workers give you some information that may help you understand your boss’s motivations, they may also be willing to help you stand up to the manager if things get out of hand.
Stay on Top of Your Work
If you and your manager aren’t getting along, it’s best not to give them a reason to doubt your performance. Don’t let their negative attitude put a damper on your work performance. Redouble your efforts and get as much work done as you can. This way, when they interact with you, they have nothing to focus on except your exceptional performance.
In addition, make sure that you always arrive to work on time. Try not to take longer than the time allotted for breaks or for lunch. Showing up late and taking extended lunches gives your manager an excuse to be critical of you.
Think about Moving On
It can be hard to realize your full potential at work when dealing with a difficult manager or boss. You won’t excel at a job with manager difficulties attached as much as you would working for a boss that you respect and that respects you in return. If you can’t get your manager to change his or her behavior, it may be best to move on to a different job or a different position within the company you’re currently associated with.
Don’t let a strained relationship with your manager force you to quit your job without trying all of the suggestions mentioned above, though. Remember, just because someone is in a managerial position, doesn’t give that person the right to be spiteful and mean.
4. How to strike a balance with a work partner when you want different things
You can’t please everyone all of the time, especially a work partner. There are going to be times that the two of you want different things. If this is something you happen to be dealing with, there is hope for a peaceful outcome. Consider the following suggestions, which will go a long way in helping you meet in the middle.
Discuss Things in Person
If you’re having a problem or disagreement with someone at work, you may be tempted to let them know about it via email. However, it can be difficult to express your true feelings in this manner. Why? Using such an impersonal form of communication has the potential to make you seem less serious about solving the issue. Set up a time to meet with the person face to face. For best results, make sure you agree on a place where both of you are comfortable.
Don’t Put Off Solving the Problem
The longer you wait, the more the resentment that your co-worker feels for you may grow. Try your best to discuss and resolve the issue as soon as possible. This is an excellent way to keep relatively small disputes from turning into bitter feuds. If the dispute was one that led to an actual argument, consider waiting until tempers have cooled on both sides before you start working towards a resolution.
Consider the Other Person’s Point of View
Finding a peaceful resolution to a workplace argument doesn’t mean deciding who gets their way. Try to consider how the other person is feeling and listen when they tell you where they are coming from. Whatever they’re requesting may seem more reasonable once you understand the reasoning behind it. With their feelings in mind, it will be easier for you to come up with a solution that works for both of you.
Ask for Their Input in Forming a Solution
When you and a work partner are having a disagreement, he or she may not be willing to agree with your solution to the problem. So, ask what specifically they would do to resolve the conflict. If they are willing to help, the two of you may be able to arrive at a solution together. That way, you’ll both feel better about the outcome.
Stick to a Compromise
Once you and your work partner have decided what you’re going to do to resolve the issue or disagreement, make sure you follow through with your commitment. If you don’t keep up your end of the agreement, how can you expect your work partner to do the same?
If some part of the compromise ends up not working for you, go to the other person and discuss how you can change things. The individual will probably be much more receptive to this than they would if you go back on your word with no warning.
Get a Third Party Involved
For smaller issues around the office, it’s often best for people to work things out between themselves. However, if you feel that it’s unlikely you’ll be able to work out your differences with someone on your own, consider speaking to your boss or supervisor about the issue. Don’t feel like you’re being immature by getting human resources involved in the problem. It’s their job to work out issues like this and make sure that you’re comfortable in your work environment.
Armed with these tips to strike balance with a work partner, you’re taking a step in the right direction. By remaining calm and discussing your issues, chances are the two of you will work things out in no time at all.
5. Strategies for dealing with a difficult colleague
Unfortunately, one’s work environment is not always a harmonious place. Individual personalities and opinions clash. Colleagues come from varying backgrounds. Due to these factors, it’s sometimes difficult to get along.
The good news is this. There are numerous things you can try when dealing with a difficult colleague. As you can see, it’s basically a matter of common sense. If the first suggestion doesn’t work, go on to the next. You’ll probably be surprised by what a positive attitude and respect (among other things) will accomplish.
Stay Positive
Constant negativity from co-workers can impact your work life as well as your personal life. It’s important to focus on the positive aspects and tone out the negativity, so you can do your job effectively.
If it’s difficult to see the good things about your work, try to focus on what you have achieved and the opportunities that have been made possible in your personal life due to your efforts in the workplace. For example, paying off student loans, buying a new home, going on a vacation, or even starting a family.
Be Respectful
It can be challenging to have a respectful attitude towards a difficult co-worker, especially when it feels like they have no respect for you in return. However, it’s important that you don’t stoop down to their level by disrespecting them because you’re not seeing eye to eye. This only makes matters worse between you and your colleague and will push you farther away from coming to an agreement or resolution that works for both sides.
Keep Calm
Difficult colleagues can unhinge even the most calm and collected employee. But, lashing out at them in retaliation is not the answer. Staying calm during an altercation and focusing on what needs to get done will defuse the situation and may calm your co-worker in the process.
Separate from the Difficult Co-worker
If a difficult colleague continues to make your workplace experience unpleasant despite your best effort, you may want to consider removing yourself from the situation and avoiding future interaction. If you haven’t talked to your boss or supervisor by now, it may be the best option for you to request a different work schedule, or transfer to a different branch. If all else fails, seeking employment elsewhere may be something to consider.
Step into Their Shoes
Sometimes an argument among co-workers is due to a simple misunderstanding. It can become increasingly frustrating to explain something over and over again because your colleague doesn’t understand. While you may feel like your colleague isn’t listening to you, consider that they may not understand due to different perspectives.
If you are having a difficult time seeing eye to eye, try to understand how your colleague is feeling about the matter. Listen to what they are saying and ask thorough questions at the end, to ensure that you fully understand.
Confront Your Co-Worker
Try confronting them about their behavior face to face in a positive, professional manner. Often when people are being negative they don’t realize how it is affecting the people around them. Tell them in private that you’re trying have a positive outlook on the day and that you would appreciate their help. Keep in mind that if you’re in a good mood, there’s a good chance it will alter their outlook and put them in a good mood, too.
When it comes to dealing with a difficult colleague, chances are you won’t see an improvement overnight. But, don’t give up. In this case, patience it the key to success. Remember, as the old adage goes… “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar!”
Another thing that can make work life difficult is when you have far too much to do – simply because you find it difficult to say no.
6. The art of saying no
If you have difficulty saying no when someone asks you to do something, you’re certainly not alone. The issue affects countless individuals every day.
Does this sound like you? If so, don’t panic. There’s absolutely no reason for you to feel guilty telling someone that you aren’t in a position to assist them. Believe it or not, saying no can actually put you ahead of the game. Continue reading to learn more about how to politely decline requests for help and feel comfortable doing it.
Sleep on It
When someone asks you for your assistance or invites you to a gathering or event, try to allow yourself at least 24 hours to give that person your answer. This typically represents adequate time to decide whether or not the task is worth doing, as well as considering what’s already on your upcoming schedule.
Allow Others to Step In
Saying no to a request for help means that you’re giving other individuals the chance to step in to assist with a project, event or whatever needs to be done. These people may be able to contribute in ways that you would have never considered, making it a win-win situation all the way around.
Avoid a “Should” Mindset
While you might think of several reasons you “should” say yes, it doesn’t mean it’s necessary to do so. Never guilt yourself into something you really don’t want to do. Chances are, it will make the job much more difficult because you don’t have your heart in it.
Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries – in both your professional and personal life – is a wonderful way to help you with the art of saying no. Don’t hesitate to let people know when you are and are not available. This narrows down the possibility that you’ll be asked to do something, during your “I’m not available” time slots.
Suggest an Alternative
You always have the option of suggesting an alternative, if you’d like to help out in a less time-consuming or easier manner. If nothing else, consider suggesting someone else for the task. However, make sure you speak with the potential replacement before volunteering that individual for the job.
Kick “Maybe” to the Curb
Although you may be tempted to say “maybe” as a safe and comfortable alternative to saying no, it’s generally never a good idea. Why? You just might be setting yourself up for continued requests for help or invitations until you actually decide to decline.
In the event the individual continues to persist, try this. Explain that you’d really like to lend a hand, but you simply don’t have time. In addition, consider telling them that if your calendar does clear you may be in touch.
Of course, there will still be times when you just can’t say no and that’s okay too. Some family obligations follow you throughout your lifetime. But remember, saying no doesn’t mean you’re being selfish. It simply means that you’re choosing to focus on the obligations you already have. By not spreading yourself too thin, you end up devoting high-quality time to things already on your plate.
7. Tips for dealing with a difficult customer
As long as there are consumers, there are going to be difficult customers. It’s just a fact of life. Should you find yourself in a situation where you need to assist an angry customer, the following tips will definitely come in handy. It’s probably easier to calm someone down than you think.
Practice Listening
It’s always important to listen carefully to what a customer has to say, even if they are being difficult. Give them your full attention and let them know that you’re listening to what they have to say. Proving that you’re a good listener has the potential to make an angry customer more likely to want to do business with you, which is the ideal outcome.
Consider Their Point of View
It isn’t enough to simply listen to what the customer has to say. In order to diffuse the situation, it’s best to put yourself in their shoes. Imagine how you would feel if you had to deal with the same situation. Most importantly, let the customer know that you understand how they feel. This will help to build a connection between you and the customer and move the conflict toward a reasonable solution.
Pretend You Have an Audience
When a customer is being irate in a one-on-one setting, it can be tempting to lose your temper back at them. When dealing with customers, always pretend that other customers are watching. Don’t do or say anything that you wouldn’t do in front of a crowd of people, or your boss.
Consider how someone watching the conversation would feel about the way you’re acting and also the way that the customer is acting. It can be reassuring to realize that other people may think that the customer is being difficult right along with you.
Remain Calm
Getting aggressive or angry toward a difficult customer will never do anything to solve the problem. It fact, it can damage the reputation of your workplace. Make sure to keep your voice low and calm as you help the customer get what they need.
Be sure to avoid becoming defensive and let the customer know that you’re there to help them. If you treat them courteously and with respect, they are more likely to curb their difficult behavior and deal with you in a more respectful manner.
Come Up With a Plan
It’s important that the customer knows that you are going to work toward solving their issue. Come up with a plan to take care of their problem and let them know what each step will be. They won’t have a lot left to be angry about once they see that you are serious about getting things taken care of.
If you promise to contact the customer as soon as the issue is resolved, make sure that you follow through. Even if you don’t have an update for them yet, it’s important that they know that you’re actively working to help them.
These are just a few simple things which will help you properly deal with a difficult customer. Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid the issue. Remember, the best thing you can do is to be sympathetic to the problem and listen. Treat angry customers like you would expect to be treated in a similar situation. The key to success is diffusing anger.
8. Tips for Giving Constructive Criticism
The best constructive criticism you can give someone is a combination of both positive and negative feedback. Because this type of criticism is meant to improve the outcome of a specific situation, negative feedback alone will probably only make things worse. This is true in both work-related and personal situations.
Unfortunately, many people are afraid to offer constructive criticism simply because they don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or jeopardize friendships. If this sounds like you, don’t despair. Read the following tips on how to give constructive criticism instead. Someone you end up helping will be glad you did!
Don’t Be Vague
Don’t be vague when giving constructive criticism. Focusing on the real issue makes things less confusing and easier to rectify. Being vague might be misconstrued as uncertainty or a lack of caring on your part. Tackling a situation head-on is always the best route to take.
Avoid Assumptions
Making assumptions won’t get you anywhere. That being said, they should be avoided at all costs. Stick to what you know about the person and the situation. If you don’t, assumptions can make you look bad – especially if they turn out to be incorrect.
Wait Until the Time Is Right
Waiting until the time is right to offer constructive criticism really makes the difference between success and failure. For example, if a co-worker is in the process of finishing a project, don’t start telling the person what they should have done differently. Instead, wait until they’re attempting to do similar work. That’s a much better time to share insight on how he or she might be more successful the second time around.
Re-Evaluate Your Intentions
Before you share any constructive criticism, take a few minutes to re-evaluate your intentions. Are you giving feedback to truly help someone improve the situation? Or are you using the opportunity to interject your personal feelings about the individual? Sometimes it may take a bit more soul-searching to decide between the two. However, there’s no reason to get down on yourself. It’s simply part of being human.
Express Appreciation
Regardless of the situation at hand, always try to express appreciation for something related to the issue you’re discussing. This appreciation doesn’t have to be over something major – even telling the individual you realize they’re doing their best is helpful.
It’s no secret that when someone feels appreciated, they’re apt to do an even better job in the future. So, take this time to make someone feel better about themselves and the work that they’re doing. Chances are, it will result in the individual trying even harder to succeed. And, there’s certainly nothing wrong with that!
As you can see, giving constructive criticism doesn’t have to be as difficult as it may seem. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you can help someone by giving feedback, please don’t hesitate. In the long run, helping someone is always a good thing, regardless of the path it takes to get there.
9. Tips on how to get noticed the right way
Getting noticed on the job often leads to bonuses, perks or promotions. These three things are certainly worth working towards, aren’t they? That being said, there’s a right way and a wrong way to get noticed. The following tips will get you started.
Be On Time
If you make a habit of getting to work on time or getting projects done ahead of schedule, it’s sure to grab the attention of your boss and/or co-workers. Make sure you always allow plenty of travel time in the morning. This helps to ensure you won’t be late in the event of a mishap such as heavy traffic or being delayed by a train.
Use a day planner or calendar app to track your schedule so that you can manage your time effectively and get things done as efficiently as possible.
Go Above and Beyond
As you work toward completing an on-the-job project, look for ways that you can go the extra mile. Even if takes a bit more effort, contributing more than was expected on a project is sure to make you stand out among the crowd.
In addition, think of ways you can bring your skills and experiences to the table in order to help with problem solving. This shows you are resourceful and capable of getting the job done right the first time.
Stay Busy
If people notice you lingering around the office without anything to do, it will probably attract the wrong kind of attention. Make sure you always have something to do, even if regular work activities are slow. Asking your manager or co-workers what you can assist with during periods of downtime is highly recommended.
Focusing on busy work makes the day go by faster and proves you’re a dedicated worker. You might even learn something new in the process.
Be Courteous to Co-Workers
Helping out your co-workers when they are in need is a sure way to get some positive attention on the job. Talk to the people you work with throughout the day. If they are willing, attempt to get to know them better. Not only can you end up making new friends, you’ll also gain the reputation as someone who is helpful and a good listener.
Keep Up Your Appearance
Many people are generally aware of the amount of attention you spend on your personal appearance. Even if your job isn’t customer service related, people will be more likely to take you seriously if you take care to maintain yourself and your wardrobe.
Your clothing should always be in accordance with any dress code your employer has put into place. Clean and wrinkle-free garments are an absolute must as well.
Co-workers also tend to pay attention to your demeanor. Wearing a smile and having a good attitude can go a long way towards someone forming a positive opinion of you. As silly as it may seem, if you find it hard to maintain a pleasant demeanor, practice smiling in a mirror. Believe it or not, it usually helps!
Now that we’ve given a few tips on how to get noticed the right way, it’s time to take action. Just think – if all goes well, you could be enjoying job-related perks or a promotion before you know it.
10. Tips on receiving criticism with grace
Let’s face it, it isn’t always easy to accept constructive criticism in a graceful manner. It can sometimes feel like a personal attack, even though the person giving the feedback doesn’t intend it to be construed as such.
If you happen to be someone hovering on the sensitive (or self-critical) side when it comes to responding to this type of criticism, read the following tips. They’re meant to help you accept critical feedback like a champ.
Ask for Specifics
One of the best things you can do to help you accept constructive criticism in a positive manner, is to ask for specifics. Unfortunately, it’s difficult for many people to give this kind of feedback in the first place. That being said, if you don’t understand something or feel as though you don’t have enough information to make a change for the better, ask for further details.
Chances are, the person sharing the information with you will be more than happy to give you additional feedback. Asking for it goes a long way in letting that person know that you really want to make changes and inevitably succeed.
Request Additional Help
In a similar way, requesting additional help doesn’t make you seem more incompetent; it shows that you want to improve upon whatever you’re having difficulty with. You’ll probably find that the criticism-giver will be more than happy to give you the extra help that you need. However, if that person is unable to assist, ask them to refer you to someone who can do an adequate job.
Share Your Progress
It never hurts to share your progress with the person who you’re interacting with. It’s just another way to show that individual that you’re truly okay with the things they’ve discussed with you. It also indicates that you are serious about doing all you can to change the current situation for the better.
You even have the option of “going to extra mile” and asking for additional feedback on what you’ve accomplished. By doing so, you may find it easier to stay on track with the rest of the project.
Don’t Take It Personally
Last but not least, never take constructive criticism personally. If you do, chances are quite high that it will only make the situation at work worse – and you certainly don’t want that. If the criticism is especially harsh, keep in mind that the person giving it may be having a bad day. Don’t let that reflect on your relationship or think that it’s the way you’ll most likely discuss things in the future.
Armed with this information, do you think it will be easier for you to accept constructive criticism? One of the most important things to remember is that this feedback is meant to help you with future endeavors. Very seldom is it meant as a personal attack. Remember, the best thing you can do is to remain calm and try to learn from the experience. It can be a good one.
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