You’re working with a difficult colleague. How can you turn the situation around?

2 Communicate clearly

The next step is to communicate with your colleague in a respectful and constructive way. Avoid gossiping, complaining, or criticizing them behind their back, as this will only create more tension and mistrust. Instead, choose a suitable time and place to talk to them privately and calmly. Express your concerns and feelings using "I" statements, such as "I feel frustrated when you miss the deadlines" or "I need your feedback to complete this task". Listen to their perspective and acknowledge their points. Try to find common ground and agree on a solution that works for both of you.

3 Set boundaries

Sometimes, communication alone is not enough to resolve the conflict or change the behavior of your colleague. In that case, you need to set some boundaries and expectations to protect yourself and your work. For example, you can limit the amount of time and energy you spend on interacting with them, or delegate some tasks to other team members. You can also assert your needs and rights in a polite but firm way, such as saying "no" to unreasonable requests or asking for support from your supervisor or manager. Don't let your colleague take advantage of you or undermine your confidence.

4 Focus on the positive

Another way to cope with a difficult colleague is to focus on the positive aspects of your work and your relationship with them. Instead of dwelling on the negative, try to appreciate the strengths, skills, and contributions of your colleague. Give them genuine compliments and feedback when they do something well or improve their behavior. Show them respect and kindness, even if they don't reciprocate. You may find that by changing your attitude, you can also influence their attitude and create a more harmonious atmosphere.