A Toxic Coworker Is Your Worst Enemy: 7 Effective Ways To Tackle Him!

10 years ago | Posted in: Articles | 1148 Views

Workplace sanity is the most precious thing that every worker needs to function as a productive member of a team. But, sanity can be disturbed due to the presence of a toxic coworker. A negative person tends to complain everything in life which triggers his negative attitude towards people. A toxic worker interferes in other’s matter which usually results in verbal conflicts. He is temperamental and keeps nagging about trivial issues.

However, if you fail to tackle a toxic coworker, then he can unleash his vicious behavior on you. A negative worker is a hunter who tends to victimize people with his cruel behavior. So, if you happen to be that victim, you need to work out a strategy to counter his bad attitude. Let me help you cope with negativity of a toxic coworker with these 7 effective tips:

1.      Keep Things In Perspective

Keep your attitude professional and put this situation into perspective. In the first place, you need to make sure whether the negativity genuinely exists and whether your feelings are valid or not. Secondly, you should trace the reasons behind this behavior. Does he irritate only you or everyone around him? A reality check will provide you with correct analysis of your feelings. Do not react to his offensive behavior rather deal the whole matter on a professional level. Make him realize that you are the wrong person for his nasty attempts.

2.      Discuss The Matter

Reconciliation is the best policy. It is always better to settle the matter over a cup of coffee. Sometimes, it is just a misunderstanding that can be sorted out with mutual communication. Invite the person on a venue and share your feelings with him. Tell him about the things that bother you on daily basis. Ask him about any issues that might be causing that toxic behavior. Make him feel comfortable with your positive attitude.

3.      Analyze Any Underlying Personal Problem

If you have been at receiving end of negativity in past, then it might be because you have certain personality problems. Is it your childish behavior? Do you have ‘attitude problem’? Are you too talkative? Find out anything specifically related to your personality that has to do with the friction in current situation.

4.      Jealousy Factor

A toxic coworker might be a victim of complex or his behavior might relate to his internal insecurities. He might have craved for that award you just received or he might think himself as more deserving for a promotion that you got recently. A healthy conversation with the guy will help you get to the source of negative feelings. Make him feel that he can also achieve the same praises with positive attitude. Advise him on how to deal with feelings of jealousy. Share any experience when you were a complex victim and how you successfully came out of it.

5.      Accommodate The Person

A toxic person is just like any normal human being. He can be a victim of painful life events. He needs to be acknowledged and appreciated by people. Engage him in work-related activities so that his energies are channeled into positive things. Give him guidance and tips to deal with a bad experience. At the same time, you should make him realize that his behavior is not justified. Tell him that bad experiences are part and parcel of life and negative attitude is not the way out.

6.      Keep A Safe Distant

If negotiations do not bear any fruit, just ignore that person by not responding to his actions. Maintain a distance with him and do not react to his verbal or non-verbal communication. Let him do his useless tactics to seek your attention. He will end up feeling exhausted in the end.

7.      Find An Arbitrator

If all your efforts are failed and that negativity still exists, you need to find a mediator who can help you resolve the issue. Ask your manager or supervisor to interfere and settle the matter.

However, if the problem still persists, you should file a formal complaint as a last resort. Seek help of HR or employer to help you come out of the ordeal. But, make sure that you have sufficient evidence to frame any allegations on the person. Talk with your colleagues who have been subject to toxic behavior of the guy. Take your associates into confidence before attempting any such initiatives.

About Author:
Jonathan Clifford is a dedicated consultant currently serving www.dissertationbuzz.co.uk, academic consultants. He loves to cover latest happenings in the tech and education market. When not working he salivates over elegant bonsais.           

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One Response to “A Toxic Coworker Is Your Worst Enemy: 7 Effective Ways To Tackle Him!”

  • florence jessica says:

    Its such as you read my thoughts! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the e-book in it or something. Keep it up.

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