How to handle people who are hard to get along with

Have you ever needed to talk to someone at work because the situation requires it? Maybe it was your boss, an HR staff member, someone from payroll, or a coworker beside you. If it weren't necessary, you probably wouldn't approach them because of their unpredictable mood. But sometimes, you just have to. How can you handle situations like this? Here are some suggestions:

Be clear with yourself about who these people are, the ones who seem to bring negativity into every situation. Once you've identified them, do what you can to avoid them. Go to places where you can breathe easier and feel more at peace. This doesn't mean you're angry at them. It simply means you're giving yourself a chance to be happier and more at ease.

It's often easier to just go along with the mood of someone with a bad attitude. Some people tolerate this kind of behavior as long as they're not directly affected. They stay quiet, avoid confrontation, and watch their every move and word just to avoid being the target. They even go out of their way to please the person just to stay on their good side. But if everyone around that person does the same, you're all just making things harder for yourselves, and their behavior will never be corrected.

People with bad attitudes often use their anger to silence those around them while others choose to ignore them and let them be. But if this behavior is tolerated, the situation at work won't improve. If the person holds a higher position, report their behavior to someone in authority. Just make sure to do it professionally, not by matching their mood or anger.

You have a life outside of work and loved ones waiting for you at home. They need your time and affection, so why carry the weight of hurtful words that aren't even true? If you take these things to heart, you'll bring them home and overthink them, taking away time and energy from the people who actually matter. Don't let the negativity of difficult people poison your thoughts. Remind yourself that the problem isn't you, it's them.

Dealing with difficult people can be exhausting. Aside from your actual work, you also have to think about how to interact with them. For the sake of your well-being and the people you care about, find regular opportunities to step away from this person. Doing so can help you become more productive and improve your emotional and mental state.

Not everyone you work with will be easy to get along with, and that's a reality we all have to face. But how you choose to respond can make a big difference. You don't have to absorb their negativity or let their behavior control your day. By setting boundaries, speaking up when needed, and protecting your peace, you give yourself the chance to thrive even in a challenging environment. Focus on what you can control, such as your mindset, your actions, and your well-being.

For more work tips, tune in to Trabaho Tips with Glady Mabini on Radyo Natin Nationwide, airing daily from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM.

Sources: How to Deal With Difficult People at Work (Harvard Business Review), How to Handle Difficult People at Work (Indeed Career Guide), and Trabaho Tips – Radyo Natin with Glady Mabini