Sometimes, no matter how sweet and gracious we are in life, there will always be people who insist on doing all that there is in their power to bring us down. This is particularly annoying in the work place, since we can’t exactly ignore them so easily if they are working in the same building. That said, it is possible to actually turn this devious individual into your secret weapon. Want to know how? Read on!
Channel Their Negativity Into Pushing Yourself To Be Your Best Self
Are they always the one in meetings putting you down, laughing at your ideas, talking to you like an idiot? Why not show your foe who’s boss, and really smash it out of the park. You’ll definitely have the last laugh.
Watch Out For Bullies
There’s a fine line between a little friendly work competition and bullying. If this person is going beyond the line, there is no shame in contacting HR if you need to. Girl’s gotta look out for herself!
Keep Your Enemy Close
So, this particular nemesis is kind to your face, but working to undermine you from behind your back? Or perhaps they’re your archrival? In a case like this, it may be worthwhile keeping tabs on them so you will always be one step ahead. Who knows, by befriending each other you might both benefit in the long run, you could even become bff’s and help each other reach the peak of your careers!
See Them As A Blessing
Your BFF isn’t going to call you out on your weaknesses, but an enemy may well do that, allowing you to work on it and to better yourself. Thank them, by being cruel they may have inadvertently helped you.
Let It Go
This sounds really simple, right? Normally the easiest things are the hardest to do, but it’s worth it on this one. How much of your headspace has been rudely invaded by worrying about how this toxic person is destroying your work life? Why are you even bothering to think about them? Direct these thoughts into something much more worthwhile and both you and your work will thank you for it.
Revamp Your CV
Now that you’ve navigated this tricky work situation, why not add this as a skill to your resume?! That’s right, this counts as a skill and, next time you’re in a job interview and someone asks how you’ve dealt with a difficult situation at work, you can let them know about that one time you had an awkward co-worker, but how you managed to get around the problem professionally.
Text Lizzy Vartanian
Images via @xoxo__gossipgirl__, @80902000kids, @_carimi_, @honeymoonjenna, @2000s_babe, @splendorize
