Dealing with tricky relationships is a part of life, and maintaining professionalism and courtesy at work, no matter how much someone else might push your buttons, is critical for a happy and successful career. 

Check out these 6 key tips to navigate working with a person that’s definitely not going to make your bestie list.

1. Set boundaries

If the person you don’t like is someone who makes unreasonable demands, set boundaries. Be clear about what you can and can’t achieve so that you’re both on the same page from the outset. Agree on goals and timelines and put it in writing.

2. Be friendly

Make the best of a bad situation by being positive. Maintaining a friendly professionalism could disarm the person and you may find some common ground. Little things like saying hello can signal that you’re not a threat and you’re not threatened by them.

3. Don’t make their problem your problem

This one is easier said than done. If the reason you dislike the person is because they are rude and abrasive, it’s important to remember the problem is them and not you. Unpleasant people are unpleasant because they’re unhappy. Don’t take it personally and let it wash over you.

4. Gain the upper hand

When a difficult person throws a tantrum, disengage. Staying cool when someone else is flying off the handle gives you the upper hand. Maintain your professionalism and let them realise they’ve gone too far. If they don’t, tell them their behaviour was inappropriate.

5. Take breaks 

Some people can only be tolerated in small doses. When you’ve reached your limit, politely excuse yourself by getting a coffee, or put on headphones and tell them you need to focus for a bit. 

6. Practice positive body language

Smile, make eye contact and avoid negative body language, like crossing your arms and hunching. You want the other person to feel comfortable and not threatened.

We can’t change other people but we can change our own behaviour. We all have to work with someone we don’t like at one point or another. Responding well to people who are difficult or just not your cup of tea is vital for your happiness at work and for your reputation. By following these steps to develop positive working relationships, you’ll find working with people you don’t like a lot less fraught.

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