3 helpful tips for dealing with a work jerk

No matter where you work, you’re bound to encounter a wide variety of personality styles. From the mild-mannered easygoing worker to the more hyperactive go-getter, offices both big and small boast all types of employee temperaments. This unfortunately means that on occasion you may find yourself dealing with a less than pleasant colleague. Despite the headaches this may cause, if you follow these three helpful tips you can rise above the negativity and survive the jerk at work.

Uncover warning signs
Although some disagreeable colleagues are unpredictable in their unlikable behaviors, others are easier to figure out. If you are able to pick up on patterns and detect the oncoming unpleasantness, arm yourself with the necessary tools for getting through. The more you are able to foresee the inevitable actions of the work jerk, the better you’ll be at dealing with them.

Give them the cold shoulder
Typically, when someone is behaving nastily, they are looking to get a rise out of whomever they are pestering. Therefore when you let their behavior roll off your back, they will realize they are having less of an effect. Giving them the cold shoulder will not only make you feel empowered, but will also show them that their negativity is not welcome with you or in the workplace in general.

Keep your distance
It’s no mystery that when you surround yourself with positivity, your mood and outlook will change for the better. You are ten times more likely to be productive and motivated when those you are physically working next to are knocking it out of the park. The same goes for your proximity to the work jerk. The more distance you put between yourself and the aggravating employee, the more likely you are to tune out their toxicity.