Video: 7 Ways to Deal With Irritating People

This video is published on YouTube and has received 19,481 views since July 2018.

We have all encountered irritating people. This video offers seven ways to help deal with irritating people. We hope you find this information encouraging.

 

To learn more about how to deal with persistent, annoying behavior at work, check out our article at www.mindtools.com/irritating-people We don’t always get to choose who we work with. But, if we ignore persistent, irritating behavior, it can damage our relationships, morale and performance.

Instead of bottling up your emotions or resorting to confrontation, use these seven tips to learn how to cope with irritating people at work:

    1. Avoid gossip. You might think it’s safer to vent your feelings to your peers than to deal with the issue. But spreading rumors will likely backfire on you, and damage your reputation.
    2. Assess the impact of the behavior. How is your colleague’s behavior really affecting you? Are you able to ignore it, or is it so serious that you need to talk to him or her about it?
    3. Be tactful! Don’t ignore your feelings, but make sure you choose your words carefully. And don’t make it personal! After all, you still have to work with this person!
    4. Consider any underlying causes. Cultural differences or problems at home could account for your colleague’s behavior. So, before you confront him, think!
    5. Be open and honest. Tell him how you feel, but show respect! Listen to his reply with empathy and without judgment.
    6. Seek support. Sometimes, irritating behavior can develop into something more sinister, like bullying or harassment. If this happens, report it to your manager or HR
    7. Develop coping mechanisms. Your solution could be as easy as switching desks. Alternatively, use deep breathing exercises or mindfulness to stay calm and controlled.
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Web Team
Author: Web Team

Rick is a veteran of the Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War era. He serves as a Technical Advisor to the Media and Communications Commission. He is a member of the Department Web Team. Rick received the Otto Hasse Legionnaire of the Year Award in 2016, Department of California Award for work on the department website in 2019, and in 2023 Rick received The American Legion Medal of Merit from the Department of California.