When it comes to difficult co-workers, we’ve all been there at one time or another, whether it’s the diva personality, the two-faced liar, or the know-it-all. While dealing with a difficult co-worker at your Houston job can be challenging, it’s a situation you must face. Otherwise, it will simply get worse and you, not the difficult co-worker, will suffer as a result. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind:

Take a step back from your Houston job.

Sometimes when we’re embroiled in a tense situation it can be easy to lose perspective. So take a step back and ask yourself if you’re over-reacting, or if there’s really a problem. You need to be honest with yourself, especially if you’ve experienced issues with other co-workers in the past. Examine the situation as objectively as you can to ensure the problem doesn’t stem, at least partly, from you or your actions.

Talk to a colleague.

Is there a colleague at work that you know and trust? Then ask them their opinion. Explain the situation and ask for some insight. A fresh perspective can be helpful in emotional situations.

Confront the difficult co-worker privately.

Email your co-worker and ask if you can speak with them privately. Though it can be tempting to go on the offensive, try to be calm and diplomatic when you meet. Cite specific examples of the person’s behavior and how it offended you. In many cases, people don’t even realize they’re upsetting others with their behavior and will apologize immediately. That said, there are those few who will get defensive or deny any wrongdoing.

Speak with your manager.

If you are unable to resolve the conflict on your own, then it’s time to bring in your boss. Set up and time to meet with him or her privately and explain the situation. Again, be as diplomatic as possible. Your boss doesn’t want to get involved in petty fights or office politics. But if there’s a real problem, then it’s your boss’s responsibility to help rectify it, particularly if it’s having a negative impact on company productivity.

Find a new job in Houston.

If your boss isn’t willing to intervene and you’re still having problems with the co-worker, then your best bet may be to find another Houston job that offers a healthier work environment.

If that’s the case and you’re ready to make the leap, please contact Murray Resources. As a leading employment agency, we work with many of Houston’s top employers, including leaders in the energy industry, Fortune 500 firms, financial services firms, legal and medical practices, as well as dozens of other small to mid-sized employers. Contact us today. We can help!