This is a guest post by Madeline Miller.
In a workplace, there are many characters to work with and deal with. But what happens if you’re having to deal with that one odd coworker? Or what happens if you feel like the odd one out of the “happy” employees?
In order for a company to achieve success, there has to be a positive workplace for employees to work in. However, respect is a two-way street, meaning that you AND the workforce have to do their part in creating a positive environment. That means confronting difficult behaviours, and then working to fix them.
Here are 5 strategies on creating a positive workplace environment by tackling difficult behaviours:
1. Make Physical Adjustments
“Sometimes, a little change in workplace scenery can be a breath of fresh air for most employees in your company,” says Stacy Cosgrove, an HR specialist at State Of Writing and Essay Help. “However, the change has to be known and okay with everyone. So, start small by moving chairs, rearranging furniture, or adding some decorative accessories like plants or flowers. Also, be sure that everyone in the workplace has their own place. You don’t want to step on people’s toes literally or metaphorically.”
2. Learn To Accept Change
Whenever adjustments in the workplace are made, it’s important to learn to manage and accept the changes. If you find yourself struggling with the change, talk to someone about it. When talking about it, be civil – don’t make divisive or inappropriate comments.
Now, if you find that someone else isn’t accepting the changes, don’t make assumptions. Chances are, there might be personal reasons why that person isn’t comfortable with change.
Plus, chances are, a person might not be themselves in the workplace. Ask yourself why that person may be acting this way. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Chances are, they might just be having a bad day. The only thing you can do is be positive and focus on your own behaviour towards others.
3. Learn To Listen
To have empathy on another person is to step into their shoes to better understand them. Say that a coworker had snapped at you for something trivial. Rather than snap back at them, consider these possibilities:
- As mentioned earlier, maybe they’re having a bad day?
- Maybe they’re behind on their work, and have to hurry their pace?
- Maybe they haven’t had their usual cup of coffee yet?
- Maybe they’re going through something at home? (For this reason, ask but don’t push too hard.)
Or something else…
No matter the reason, it’s still imperative that you be a good listener to the disgruntled employee. Don’t interrupt them, or even argue back at them – that can only add fuel to the fire.
By learning to listen, that coworker may appreciate you listening to them. Now, this doesn’t guarantee a positive resolution. However, it’s still good on your part, because you’re at least stepping into that person’s shoes to understand how they’re feeling rather than fanning the flames.
4. Learn To Properly Communicate
“Effective communication is the lifeblood of your organisation – or should be,” says Arthur Foxworthy, a writer at Paperfellows and Essay Services. “While criticism may come at any time, it’s still important to take criticism, even if you don’t agree with it. Plus, it’s important to be courteous to one another. Don’t give negative feedback, unless necessary. And, do not judge anyone at face value; but rather, get to know people before making any judgments. The goal here is to ensure that everyone listens to one another, and everyone has a voice in the workplace. No person is better than the other.”
5. Learn To Compromise
Finally, in a workplace, you’ll have to collaborate with other people. That means that you should be able to compromise with others to come up with a solid solution to a problem or project. In this way, it’s a win-win for everyone involved in the project or dispute.
It’s also important to highlight the agreed-upon terms, so that everyone is still on the same page. And then, be sure to thank everyone involved for listening and their willingness to work with you.
Conclusion
By promoting a positive workplace environment, you and the rest of the organisation can work together to keep the business running. We hope that these tips can help you create a positive workplace environment by tackling difficult behaviours, and promoting healthier ones.
Good luck!
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About the author
Madeline Miller is a writer and editor at Write My Essay and Personal Statement Help. She is also a blogger at Boomessays. As a content writer, she writes articles about workplace etiquette, job search trends, and management.
