7 Ways to Deal With Irritating People in the Workplace

We don’t always get to choose who we work with. But, if we ignore persistent, irritating behavior, it can damage our relationships, morale and performance.

Instead of bottling up your emotions or resorting to confrontation, use these seven tips to learn how to cope with irritating people at work:

1. Avoid gossip. You might think it’s safer to vent your feelings to your peers than to deal with the issue. But spreading rumors will likely backfire on you, and damage your reputation.

2. Assess the impact of the behavior. How is your colleague’s behavior really affecting you? Are you able to ignore it, or is it so serious that you need to talk to him or her about it?

3. Be tactful! Don’t ignore your feelings, but make sure you choose your words carefully. And don’t make it personal! After all, you still have to work with this person!

4. Consider any underlying causes. Cultural differences or problems at home could account for your colleague’s behavior. So, before you confront him, think!

5. Be open and honest. Tell him how you feel, but show respect! Listen to his reply with empathy and without judgment.

6. Seek support. Sometimes, irritating behavior can develop into something more sinister, like bullying or harassment. If this happens, report it to your manager or HR.

7. Develop coping mechanisms. Your solution could be as easy as switching desks. Alternatively, use deep breathing exercises or mindfulness to stay calm and controlled.

[charleshurstreinvention]

A lot of it is mindset. People can be annoying. Incompetent. Ridiculous. But as I told my own subscribers, you have to make an attempt not to hurt them. And usually that means even their feelings. You have to understand that many will have annoying traits that are not necessarily bullying traits but just what they are--annoying. And usually this type of behavior comes from their own internal unrest. As one of my Muay Thai coaches said: if a tiger attacks you in the jungle you must draw your knife and kill it. But if a little dog was nipping at your heels would you kick it to death? No, you move it gently out of the way. And that is the effort you have to make with people. Not everyone is strong, most aren't warriors. They aren't confident therefore have to be dealt with gently like the above analogy. And if you do that daily, you will find that it reflects back and gives you only more tranquility. Hope this helps someone out there---Charles

[davidsweeney]

It's best not to have much to do with others, I just go to my desk each day and do my work, I might have a chat to someone at lunch time, but that's it, no emotional involvement, it's work not some kind of social event, works for me!

[allhavesaidtheirprayers]

This is music is more annoying than the person who brought me to this topic. So, thanks.

[evenbiggeral]

How do you stop being annoyed at the irritating behavior? My employee sits across the hall from me, and her sentences often end with a question mark, like a valley girl. As soon as I realized this, it started irritating me every time she would do it. Yet I have to listen since I’m her supervisor. It doesn’t help that she is nervous and anxious all the time.

[ezekielmoseley]

Everyone has a different purpose for work. Some come to work to lifted up, and others to complete there reign of terror. Purpose of the job is to complete the assignment and get a check. Go to work and make a difference and not a hinderance.