How to Deal with Difficult Managers and Coworkers

Do you have a difficult manager or coworker that you just don't know how to deal with? In this video, I'm going to show you some tips and tricks on how to handle them without causing any conflict.

In this post I'm going to teach you how to deal with difficult managers and coworkers. It can be really tough when you're stuck in a situation where you don't know what to do, but don't worry, I'm here to help.

1. Don't take things too personally 

Instead of letting your anger or frustration get the best of you, try to approach any conflict with a clear head and an open mind. This will allow you to approach the situation objectively and address any issues in a more productive manner.

2. Stay calm and professional 

When you're dealing with difficult managers or coworkers, it can be hard to stay calm and professional. These individuals often have strong egos and can be quite vocal about their opinions and biases, leaving you feeling stressed and overwhelmed. However, there are steps that you can take to deal with these difficult individuals effectively.

The first step is to avoid becoming emotional or reactive in your interactions with them. Try to remain calm, cool, and collected at all times, no matter how stressful things may become. Additionally, it's important to remember that your manager or coworker is not always wrong – even if they don't see things the same way as you do. Stay focused on your goals and try to view situations from their perspective as well as your own.

3. Address the issue head-on 

Always to try and address the issue directly. Instead of avoiding the person or giving them contemptuous glances from across the room, go straight to them and express your concerns in a direct, but tactful way. This may require some patience and diplomacy on your part, but it will be worth it in the long run, as it can help resolve any underlying issues that may be contributing to problematic behaviour.

4. Be assertive, not aggressive 

When dealing with difficult managers and coworkers, it is important to stay calm and be assertive, rather than aggressive. This can be challenging, especially when you are under pressure or feeling agitated or irritated. But by keeping your cool and staying focused on your goals, you can successfully navigate these tense situations and maintain positive relationships with those around you.

One key step to being assertive is to speak up when something is bothering you, rather than letting resentment build up inside. For example, if your manager puts unreasonable demands on your time or gives you unfair criticism, be proactive in addressing these issues directly rather than passively accepting their behaviour. By expressing your concerns calmly but directly, you can forge a more trusting relationship with them and work through any problems together.

5. Offer solutions 

First, try to identify the root of the problem – is it a clash of personalities, a misunderstanding, or something else entirely? Then, take a step back and try to come up with solutions to the issue

6. Don't gossip or spread rumours 

avoid engaging in any gossip or negative rumours about them. While it may be tempting to vent to your friends or colleagues, spreading such negativity can only worsen the situation, making matters worse for everyone involved. Instead, try to focus on your own work and productivity, taking care not to let conflicts with your manager or coworkers detract from your larger goals.

7. Seek help from others if needed

One of the best ways to deal with these types of situations is to seek help from others as needed. Whether it's confiding in a trusted colleague or seeking guidance from your HR department, getting support can help you stay focused and remain professional in the face of challenging circumstances. 

Difficult managers and coworkers can be a huge challenge. If you're struggling to find a way to handle them, or if the situation is causing conflict in your workplace, don't worry. There are techniques that you can use to get through these situations without damaging your relationships. Join the No Nonsense Leadership Bootcamp today to learn more about how to deal with difficult people and create an environment of respect and productivity in your workplace.