Every workplace has its share of unproductive, difficult co-workers. Studies have shown that these employees can deflate work morale faster than anything else and make life miserable. What about you? Is there someone in your work environment who fits that description? If you answered, "Yes," consider using some of these recommendations to deal with them.

First, ask yourself, "Is it directly affecting my ability to do my work well or is it just something that bugs me?" You should only attempt to confront the issue if it directly affects your work.

Basically, you have three options:

1. Talk directly to your co-worker about the situation.
2. Talk to your manager.
3. Ignore it and learn to live with it.

Speaking directly to your co-worker about the situation is difficult, but it will show your manager your leadership abilities. Before you go to your manager, try it. Let your co-worker know you want to talk about something serious by asking when would be a good time to discuss an issue.

Stick to what experts call "observable behavior." What can you see, hear or measure? Be as specific as possible. Does he often come in late? Does she decline to help out when you are slammed? You can't concentrate when her radio is on? Are they missing deadlines for things that need to be passed onto you? Discuss how the issue is affecting your work or that of the department. Talk about that and only that. Ask if they have suggestions for changing the behavior and try to agree on plans for the future.

If you decide to talk to your manager about an issue with a co-worker, schedule an appointment to discuss in private. Remember that if the difficult employee has a different manager, your manager will have to negotiate with his colleague. Again, be prepared with specific examples about how the situation is affecting your work and the success of your organization.

Above all, stay professional and don't gossip with your team members about the employee. It will make you look small and not accomplish anything about the situation.

And of course, you can always just decide to ignore the problem and work around it. But don't do that if it is really bothering you. Be assertive!

Ask about our program, "Working With Difficult People and Tough Situations." It is available as an in-house, customized program.

Editor www.highako.com Highako.com is a video-first microlearning platform trusted by over 10,000+ Credit and Collections professionals. Drive skill growth with role-specific, expert video lessons. Measure practical expertise through hands-on assessments. Connect and collaborate with the largest credit community and get access to ready-to-use templates.

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