You’re minding your own business at work, going about your daily tasks, when you notice someone seems to be deliberately trying to make you look bad. Maybe they’re leaving passive-aggressive Post-It notes on your desk, or maybe they’re taking credit for your ideas in front of the boss. Whatever the case may be, it’s obvious that they’re trying to undermine you. So what do you do?
First of all, don’t panic. Secondly, don’t let them see that they’re getting to you. You need to stay calm and collected if you want to handle this situation properly. Here are a few tips on how to deal with someone who is trying to undermine you at work.
DON’T TAKE THE BAIT – IF SOMEONE IS TRYING TO START A FIGHT WITH YOU, DON’T ENGAGE
We’ve all been in a situation where someone else wants to fight – literally or figuratively. It can be hard to put your own feelings aside and step away but try not to take the bait. Sure, sometimes it’s frustrating. Maybe you feel like you should have a chance to get your own digs in too, but it won’t solve anything and you’re probably just going to end up making a bad situation worse. Instead, take a deep breath and practice some self-control to give yourself time to think about how best to handle the situation. You’ll be glad that you did!
KEEP YOUR COOL – IT’S IMPORTANT TO STAY CALM AND COLLECTED IN THESE SITUATIONS
In a world full of unexpected and sometimes difficult situations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and let our emotions take the wheel. However, no matter the situation, one of the most important things we can do is stay calm and collected. It’s essential to keep our cool, so we can collect ourselves and remain in control of the situation. Being able to think clearly while maintaining an even-tempered demeanor instead of flying off the handle is a key trait for success in any challenge. So if you feel yourself getting worked up and ready to lose your temper, just remember to take a few deep breaths and try to look at things objectively. You’ll be glad you kept your cool once you feel that sense of relief afterward!
TALK TO YOUR BOSS OR HR – IF THE SITUATION IS GETTING OUT OF HAND, IT’S BEST TO INVOLVE A HIGHER UP
Handling a difficult situation with a coworker can be tricky. It’s often hard to find a resolution on our own and that’s when it may be best to talk to someone who can step in and help. Reaching out to your boss or Human Resources (HR) is one way that you can get assistance, especially when things have escalated beyond where you feel comfortable addressing them. They’ll have the experience and resources necessary to help diffuse the issue quickly and professionally. Even if the situation isn’t extremely dire, speaking up takes courage; sometimes it simply takes telling someone else first before we’re able to effectively handle it ourselves.
BE PROFESSIONAL – NO MATTER HOW FRUSTRATING THE SITUATION MAY BE, ALWAYS REMAIN POLITE AND RESPECTFUL
No matter what the situation is, it’s always important to remain professional. Speak and act with respect even when it’s not easy or convenient. This helps ensure that all conversations stay focused on productive communication and the promotion of respectful practices. Practicing professionalism requires self-control and patience, but if you remain mindful of your behavior and supportive of those around you, it can help create a more positive work environment as well as up your professional reputation. Ultimately, being professional – no matter how trying or frustrating the situation may be – will always be seen in a favorable light.
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING – KEEP TRACK OF ANY INCIDENTS THAT OCCUR SO YOU HAVE EVIDENCE IF NEEDED
Keeping track of any incidents that occur – no matter how small or insignificant they might seem – is key to ensuring that you always have evidence if needed. It may seem tedious at times, but the importance of documenting everything simply can’t be overstated. Whether it’s for personal safety or legal protection, having a written record is essential in any situation where there could be confusion later on. Taking the time to document each instance properly (even if it sometimes involves some extra legwork) can pay off big in the end.
These tips should help you the next time someone at work tries to start a fight with you. Remember, it’s important to stay calm and collected in these situations so that you don’t make things worse. If the situation does get out of hand, talk to your boss or HR. And no matter what, always be professional. document everything that happens so you have a record of it if needed.