Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Four Ways To Handle Workplace Frenemies

As it happens that senior high school hallways aren't the only real places mean girls exist. 27 percent of American workers report being bullied sooner or later within their career, in line with the Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI), and women are the greatest offenders.
The WBI report unearthed that women bullied other women 68 percent all the time period; sometimes the bullying came in the shape of outright harassment, but other times it had been more subtle. A lot of you've experienced working together with those who claim to be your friend, but change and make belittling comments or roll their eyes at you facing fellow colleagues.
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This kind of relationship can undermine your productivity, reputation and mood at work. Listed below are four tips from etiquette expert Jodi R.R. Smith., composer of The Etiquette Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Manners, that will allow you to handle a workplace ‘frenemy'so they do not succeed in sabotaging you.
1. Know Your Frenemy
It’s to your advantage to identify your frenemies and be wary of their motives — all while remaining professional on your own terms.
“Once you know what type of person your colleague is, you can take action as appropriate,” Smith says. “Know what you can expect from them, when you can rely on them and when you should not.”
Even if you’re wary of this ‘friend,’ don’t completely ignore her; knowing her moves and motives can keep you one step ahead.
2. Create Boundaries
Remember that work is just that…work. When possible keep personal issues out of the workplace, even if your colleagues don’t reciprocate. In other words, try not to stoop to their level. “Take the high road and don’t lose focus on your own hard work,” Smith advises.
3. Be Honest When Necessary
Playing the diplomat isn’t always possible, especially if a frenemy clearly crosses a workplace line. Feelings of tension can also hinder productivity for both parties so it can be helpful to clear the air.
“On occasion, a frank conversation can aid your relationship,” Smith says. “It’s okay to say ‘We’re never going to be best friends, but I respect your work and hope that when we’re on the same team we work past our differences to get the job done.’”
4. Know When to Walk Away
Savvy workers know how to balance the good and bad of the workplace environment to their advantage, but even the thickest-skinned have a limit.
It’s a given that there’s always going to be someone you don’t like at work. “However, when there are many office frenemies, there’s only so much emotional stress you can take before it’s time to dust off the resume and look for a healthier work environment,” Smith suggests.
So when it comes to workplace matters, keep your friends close but your frenemies closer. It will keep your competitive drive sharp and your focus on the work at hand.
Source: knowmore.tv

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