You can't get along with everyone you work with, but sometimes you are forced to deal with someone who is impossible. Lyndy van den Barselaar, MD of ManpowerGroup South Africa, says keeping your head and developing a sense of perspective will help you deal with this type of situation. "It is important to deal with workplace conflicts in a manner that will assist in promoting a healthier working relationship between the parties involved, which usually starts with open lines of communication." She has this advice: • Focus on your work rather than the issues you have with your co-worker; • Run through possible scenarios so you can be prepared; • Look for the good in your colleague; • Talk to your co-worker about what is bothering you. But you will need to be ready to get a taste of your own medicine; • E-mail is an easy option when you don't want to face someone, but it can lead to miscommunication that may only inflame tension; • Try not to react too quickly; and • If you have tried a...
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