At some point in your work career, you're bound to be working, side-by-side, with someone you don't care for. It can be quite difficult to buck up and take the 'high road' but, if you don't try to at least appear as though you're trying to get along, you're no better than they are.
Instructions
1. Ok, so you know that there's someone in your past (or perhaps, your present) whom you just despise working with. This person may throw verbal barbs, roll their eyes behind your back, or may speak poorly of you with others. How you react speaks volumes for who you are inside. Your first reaction should be no reaction whatsoever. Resist sending back scathing looks or words. There is no good to be gained by lowering yourself to their position.
2. Never, ever respond negatively in writing - with the advent of email, it's almost too easy to fire off a scathing note to your despised one. You can write the text but DO NOT SEND! Put the note aside and reread it and edit it when your head is more level. DO, however, keep a file of their emails for reference in case you have to pursue formal action against them in the future.
3. I'm not a proponent of approaching Human Resources (HR) with these types of problems as a reputation can come to one who runs to HR. I prefer to be seen as someone who faces the despised person head on and tries to get to the root of the problem. Periodically, you might run into people who are just evil to the core, people who will throw you under the train to gain a small promotion - try to just avoid these types, if you can. Easily said but I have one of these weasles in my past so I know it's not always easy to avoid interactions.
4. This is my favorite tip - Kill 'em with kindness. Go out of your way to stop by and ask how their morning is going. Ask if they'd like to go to lunch - this is a great way to put your nemesis on edge. Go ahead and play this slight game. Get creative. A nice bouquet of flower for their desk is also a great way to make them uncomfortable, especially when everyone will ask where they came from. Your nemesis will have to utter your name, over and over during the day. You'll also get a reputation as a great person! Ok, so it's lowering yourself a little but this step can be major fun. And, after all, who can accuse you of being a bitch if you're holding a handful of daisies?
Tags: lowering yourself, these types