Working in the medical or nursing profession can be rewarding but challenging, with long hours, high-stress environments, and demanding tasks. Unfortunately, dealing with difficult co-workers can further complicate one's experience in the workplace. In this article, we will explore the types of difficult co-workers, share some practical strategies for healthcare professionals to manage conflicts and establish healthy working relationships with their colleagues.
Types of Difficult Co-workers
In her book “Getting Along : How to work with Anyone (even difficult people)”), Amy Gallo defined 7 types of difficult co-workers
The Pessimist - A co-worker who consistently sees the negative side of things, often spreading doom and gloom throughout the workplace.
Approach: Acknowledge their concerns, but counterbalance with positive perspectives or potential solutions. Focus on facts and objective data when discussing issues to avoid getting caught in their negativity spiral.
The Victim - An individual who always feels wronged and blames others for their problems, never taking responsibility for their actions.
Approach: Encourage personal accountability by asking solution-oriented questions, and redirect conversations towards proactive steps they can take to improve their situation. Be empathetic but maintain boundaries to avoid being dragged into their drama.
The Passive-Aggressive - Co-workers who express their resentment or frustration indirectly, often through sarcasm, avoidance, or subtle undermining of others' efforts.
Approach: Address the behaviour directly and calmly, using specific examples. Encourage open communication and emphasize the importance of being clear and direct in expressing their feelings or concerns.
The Insecure Boss - A boss who may micromanage, withhold praise, claim credit for your work, or display excessive controlling behaviour due to their own feelings of inadequacy.
Approach: Provide reassurance by regularly updating them on your progress and proactively seeking feedback. Build their trust by demonstrating competence and reliability, and offer support when appropriate.
The Know-It-All - Co-workers who believe they have all the answers and may dismiss others' opinions or ideas, creating a difficult collaborative environment.
Approach: Validate their knowledge while diplomatically introducing alternative perspectives or additional information. Engage them in problem-solving by asking for their input and focusing on finding common ground.
The Biased Co-worker - A co-worker who displays prejudice or favoritism based on factors such as race, gender, or other personal characteristics, potentially leading to an uncomfortable or hostile work environment.
Approach: Address any inappropriate comments or behaviour calmly and assertively, emphasizing the importance of fairness and inclusivity. If the issue persists, consider reporting the behavior to a supervisor or human resources.
The Tormentor/Bully - Co-workers who deliberately target and mistreat others, often through verbal or emotional abuse, humiliation, or manipulation.
Approach: Maintain your composure and assertively communicate that their behaviour is not acceptable. Document instances of bullying and seek support from colleagues or management when necessary.
The Political Operative - Co-workers who focus on building alliances, maneuvering for power, and advancing their own interests, sometimes at the expense of others.
Approach: Remain professional and focus on your own work, avoiding being drawn into their political games. Build strong relationships with other colleagues, and keep communication transparent to minimize the impact of their manipulations.
Approaches and Tips for Dealing with Difficult Co-workers
Shift your perception - When confronted with a difficult co-worker, consider that their behaviour is a reflection of their own struggles and not necessarily a result of your actions. By reframing the issue as their problem and not yours, you can maintain a healthy emotional distance and focus on what you can control.
Cultivate positive relationships - Invest in building strong relationships with other colleagues, as these connections can help provide support and balance when dealing with challenging individuals. In a hospital or clinic setting, working closely with other team members can foster a sense of camaraderie and reduce feelings of isolation.
Prioritise self-care - In high-stress environments like healthcare, it's crucial to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. Avoid self-destructive behaviours such as drinking or stress eating, and prioritise healthy habits like regular exercise and adequate sleep.
Reflect on your own actions - Be open to feedback and consider how your own behaviour might contribute to conflicts. Regularly assess your communication style, work habits, and interactions with others to identify areas where you can improve and adapt.
Recognise your biases - Everyone has biases that can influence their perception of others. Be aware of your own biases and work to challenge them, ensuring you treat all colleagues fairly and with respect.
Set boundaries - Establishing boundaries is essential in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This may include distancing yourself from difficult co-workers during breaks or choosing not to engage in unnecessary conversations.
Practice empathy - Understanding what might underlie a colleague's challenging behaviour can provide valuable insight. By approaching difficult co-workers with kindness, compassion, and respect, you may be able to positively influence their behaviour and create a more harmonious working environment.
Consider your options - If a situation becomes unbearable or negatively impacts your mental health, consider exploring options for transferring to another department or seeking new job opportunities.
Conclusion
Healthcare professionals face unique challenges when navigating workplace relationships, but by employing strategies such as shifting perceptions, focusing on self-care, setting boundaries, and cultivating empathy, they can create healthier, more productive work environments. Remember that the goal is not to change others but to manage your reactions and interactions effectively. By focusing on what you can control and prioritizing your well-being, you can thrive in the healthcare field, even in the face of challenging co-workers. As healthcare professionals, it's essential to prioritize your own well-being while also providing high-quality care to your patients.
Reference
Gallo, A. (2022). Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People). Harvard Business Review Press.