1. Here’s how you can protect yourself from toxic colleagues
Just like in a romantic relationship, dealing with toxic people in the workplace can make a person feel consistently stressed and drained. Especially, when he needs to spend a major part of his day with such colleagues. It does not matter if a co-worker pretends to be a friend and a sympathizer when his toxic behaviour impacts the health and productivity of people around him. According to experts, we have no control over other’s behaviour but changing how we react to a colleague’s toxic behaviour or using psychological tricks to deal with such people can help significantly. So, let’s look at a few ways to deal with such co-workers.
2. Be emotionally detached
One of the best ways to protect yourself from a toxic colleague is by making yourself emotionally detached. A lot of toxic people use mind tricks to agitate others emotionally and when you fall for that trap, it will only make the situation difficult. For example, that person might be very supportive when you are with him but then quietly he would undermine you infront of your boss. When you get to know about it, would not it make you angry or sad because you never expected such behaviour from him? Anger or sadness is nothing but emotions. So, when you stop reacting like that, things might become more tolerable.
3. Mix with other people
Not all colleagues are toxic. So, learn to separate the grain from the chaff and mingle with other co-workers who make you feel comfortable. One of the classic behavioural traits of toxic people is to alienate the victim. So, make sure that you do not succumb to their vicious plans.
4. Don’t try to prove them wrong
The best way to deal with toxic co-workers is by rising above them. A lot of times you might be tempted to prove them wrong but doing so would only make them more motivated to humiliate you. Remember, you have no control over other’s behaviour but you can definitely control your own actions, right? So, don’t try to correct them because such people are incorregible.
5. Ignorance is bliss
It might be very difficult to ignore the toxic activities of a colleague. Here’s an exercise you can try to build your patience level, which would help you ignore such people. Every time you find a toxic colleague being rude to you just repeat these words silently, “Thank God, I am not like him.” Imagine being in his shoes. Would you like to treat others the way your toxic colleague is treating you? Of course, not. As soon as you realise that you are a better person than your manipulative co-worker, it would become easier for you to ignore him.
6. Never share personal details
Toxic people are also mostly great manipulators. Sharing personal information with such people is like handing them a weapon to destroy you. Be very cautious about what you talk with such colleagues because you never know what information he might use against you to make you feel demotivated or stressed. So, keep all interactions simple and professional.
7. It’s temporary
Whenever the going gets tough, just remember nothing is permanent. It is just your workplace and you have a life beyond this. Also, you will not spend your entire lifetime working with the same set of people, right? The more you think of a day where you are with the right kind of colleagues, it would become easier to deal with toxic co-workers.