How can you develop resilience when working with difficult colleagues?

2 Set healthy boundaries

The second step to developing resilience is to set healthy boundaries with your difficult colleagues. Boundaries are the limits you set to protect your well-being, time, and energy. You can communicate your boundaries clearly and respectfully, such as saying no to unreasonable requests, asking for feedback in a constructive way, or limiting your exposure to negative interactions. You can also enforce your boundaries by following through with consequences, such as escalating issues to your manager, or reporting inappropriate behavior.

4 Practice self-care and mindfulness

The fourth step to developing resilience is to practice self-care and mindfulness. Self-care is the act of taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional needs, such as getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, or engaging in hobbies. Mindfulness is the act of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or reaction, such as breathing deeply, meditating, or journaling. By practicing self-care and mindfulness, you can reduce your stress, increase your positivity, and enhance your well-being.

5 Reframe your perspective

The fifth step to developing resilience is to reframe your perspective on the situation. Reframing is the act of changing the way you think about something, by looking for the positive aspects, the opportunities, or the lessons. For example, you can reframe a conflict with a colleague as a chance to improve your communication skills, or a criticism as a feedback to help you improve your work. By reframing your perspective, you can shift from a victim mindset to a growth mindset.

6 Celebrate your achievements

The sixth step to developing resilience is to celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small. Celebrating your achievements is the act of recognizing and rewarding yourself for your efforts, progress, and results, such as giving yourself a compliment, sharing your success with others, or treating yourself to something nice. By celebrating your achievements, you can boost your confidence, motivation, and satisfaction.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?