We all know people who are just plain difficult to handle, whether it’s the one-upper, the know-it-all, the backstabber, or the drama queen. But when you work with someone everyday at your Woodland job who has an obnoxious trait or personality, it can begin to wear on you, even if you’re the most patient person.

So what can you do to deal with a difficult co-worker at your Woodland job? Here are eight tips:

Tip #1. Assess the situation.

Try to be objective and ask yourself if you’re simply over-reacting. Are you certain the other person is really the problem? Have you experienced issues when working with others in the past? You need to examine the situation to ensure that the other person’s actions are really the cause of the issue.

Tip #2. Ask a colleague or friend.

Talk about the situation with a friend or a colleague. Explain the problem as objectively as possible (Remember: every story has three sides – yours, mine, and the truth.), and ask them for some insight. A fresh perspective or some wise advice can help out in such an emotional situation.

Tip #3. Privately confront the object of your frustration.

Talk privately to the person you are having a problem with. Try to be diplomatic about the situation and don’t attack, though it can be tempting. Explain through specific examples how their words or actions are having a negative impact on you. Try to reach an agreement or a truce going forward. Many people may not realize their actions are hurtful and will therefore, hopefully, be amenable to your suggestions. Other people, though, simply don’t care or will deny their words and actions are harmful.

Tip #6. Go to your boss.

It’s ultimately the responsibility of your boss to create a healthy and productive work environment. So if you’ve tried and failed to deal with the situation on your own, then talk to your boss about it. Make sure you’re prepared to give your boss very specific examples of how the person’s behavior is impacting your productivity at work. If other people are having the same issues with the same difficult co-worker, then you may want to also bring them into the conversation.

Tip #7. Avoid the person.

If all of these approaches fail to work, then try to simply avoid the person. If possible, see if you can transfer to a different department or division so you no longer have to work directly with the person in question.

Tip #8. Find a new job in Woodland.

Leaving your Woodland job is always an option if you truly feel like a difficult co-worker is negatively impacting your productivity,  your career, and your job satisfaction – and the management at your company is unwilling to intervene. If you find yourself in such a situation and you’re ready to make a career leap, please contact Pacific Staffing. For more than 25 years, Woodland job seekers have relied on our employment firm to help them find opportunities that are a terrific match for their skills and goals.