How can you build resilience when working with difficult team members?

1 Identify the source of difficulty

The first step is to identify what makes a team member difficult for you. Is it their personality, communication style, work ethic, or expectations? Try to understand their perspective and motivations, and avoid making assumptions or judgments. You can also ask for feedback from other team members or a neutral third party to get a more balanced view.

2 Manage your emotions

The second step is to manage your emotions when dealing with difficult team members. You may feel frustrated, angry, or hurt by their behavior, but you should not let these emotions affect your work quality or performance. Instead, you should practice self-care, such as taking breaks, exercising, meditating, or talking to someone you trust. You should also use positive affirmations, such as "I can handle this" or "This is a learning opportunity", to boost your confidence and optimism.

5 Seek support and resources

The fifth step is to seek support and resources when working with difficult team members. You should not isolate yourself or suffer in silence, but reach out to your manager, mentor, or coach for guidance and advice. You should also leverage the strengths and expertise of other team members, and delegate or outsource tasks when necessary. You should also use online or offline tools and platforms to facilitate your research and collaboration, such as Google Scholar, Slack, or Trello.

6 Learn and grow

The sixth and final step is to learn and grow from your experience of working with difficult team members. You should reflect on what you did well, what you could improve, and what you learned. You should also identify the skills and competencies that you developed or enhanced, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. You should also celebrate your achievements and reward yourself for your resilience.