subject: Trouble In The Workplace: Tips For Success With Awkward Workplace Situations [print this page] You never expect to meet underhanded people in environments that appear as civil as the office. It is always a surprise when you encounter them. Sometimes you think that someones your friend only to find out later how that very same person spread office gossip about you. Thats just one situation you have to worry about. The office may seem like a friendly place, but whenever people with different backgrounds and different motivations are forced to inhabit the same environment, its only a matter of time before trouble boils to the surface. Here are other office troubles you might have to prepare for:
1.When colleagues gossip to ruin your reputation. Here are a couple of tips for success to deal with this nasty situation: one, confront the person directly and tell them you want that sort of behavior to stop, otherwise you will report them to Human Resources. Two, talk to the colleagues supplying you with information on what others are saying about you. Tell them: It seems to me that you have been getting plenty of insights about how others think of me personally. This shows you are also gossiping about me, and that is quite unprofessional and I think you should stop.
2.Your teams report contains erroneous information as facts. Get over your embarrassment quickly by acknowledging the mistakes and thanking the person who pointed them out. Give an apology and assure them that you will rectify matters. One of the most effective tips for success covering this scenario is to work on REDEEMING yourself. Show the top brass that you will do all you can within your mandate to compensate for the mistake and correct it as soon as possible. When you put yourself in difficult situations you inadvertently created, only you can save yourself.
3.You know someone is stealing from the company. Difficult situations that involve theft are too serious for one to turn a blind eye to. If you are dead sure about the identity of the guilty party, then by all means report your concerns to your manager. Keeping it to yourself for fear of earning the reputation as a whistle blower goes against all the tips for success for your career advancement. Not reporting theft is almost like condoning the act, so never go down that path.
4.A colleague is trying to steal your client. Unfortunately, there are people who follow their own misguided tips for success in the corporate world, which includes stealing colleagues clients. If you discover that someone is trying to poach your client, contact the client right away and let him know that you have already initiated the project and that you are aware that someone else from the company is making their own proposal. Explain clearly to the client how switching to that person could present difficult situations for the project in terms of time constraints and budget.
5.A coworker criticizes you and you overhear it. Some of the most difficult situations can also be hurtful. Your colleague attacks the quality of your work in the lobby and you just happen to be within earshot. Do you stride over to him and criticize him in turn? Never stoop to that persons level. Instead, let him know in private that you overheard him criticizing you. Steer clear of strong language, which not only sabotages your efforts to follow these tips for success, but also robs you of your professionalism. Next, say something along the lines like, I overheard your comments about my work in the last project we did. Id like to discuss this issue with you so you can understand why I chose those methods and also to find out where you think I did wrong so I can improve myself.
There is a reason why the office is called a corporate jungle. It is a jungle out there. There is a type of natural selection that occurs as well. The inhabitants of the office have to adapt and evolve in order to survive. Dont go into the office with a strict game plan. Learn about the people, the environment, blend in. Bullies, gossips, and leeches in the workplace cant hurt what they cant see. As the legendary boxer Ali would say, Fly like a butterfly, sting like a bee.
