Workplace Hostilities Are Common

You got that great job and you now think you are going to go all the way. The problem is that there is a workplace bully standing in your way. Workplace conflict is common in today's fast-paced but highly liquid environment. People don't seem to care as much about people when they are coming in and out of an organization through a revolving door. The problem is becoming so pervasive that a large percentage of society feels the hostility.

Have you ever sat in a meeting and had someone slam you? They don't just slam you they also talk about you in the hallways, by the water cooler and over lunch with their colleagues. It's not fun being the target of such unearned attacks and many times you may just want to quit. The only problem is that the next workplace might not be that much better.

According to an MSNBC and Elle magazine survey of 60,000 people 10% have purposely tried to damage a fellow co-worker. Another 40% have thought about taking negative action to ruin a co-workers reputation. That is a huge percentage of working people and it shows that anything is possible.

As people laugh about you, embarrass you and attempt to undermine your credibility they are potentially destroying your career and hurting your chances of success. Even worse they are also likely creating lots of stress that wasn't necessary in the first place. Don't you know that stress is the number one reason why people get sick?

If you feel as though you are being verbally beaten up by a fellow employee you might consider taking direct action instead of waiting until the problem becomes larger. The problem with waiting is that you put yourself into situation where you aren't comfortable and where the resentment grows. Taking action can actually reduce this likelihood.

How do you take action? In a non-threatening manner ask that person if you can talk to him or her. They may just give you lots of attitude but if they are listening then you are doing well. Ask them how you two can build a better relationship. If there is anything that you can do to make them trust you and tell them how much you desire to work with them on an equitable level. Then document the conversation.