Coping With Jerks: Using Stress Management in the Workplace

Dealing with a jerk at work can make any job seem like torture. You just can't do your best work when you're dealing with stress brought on by someone who refuses to act civil toward you.

Fortunately, you have a choice in what you do when faced with such a situation.

First, do a bit of evaluation first -- is this something that really bothers you or can you stand it? Step back and decide what level of discomfort it brings you -- do you get mad or can you shrug off some of you co-worker's rudeness? On some occasions all it takes is a bit of disinterest on your part -- just enough to ignore that fool.

Sitting down and talking frankly about your displeasure with their rudeness may be necessary if ignoring them does not do the trick. What seems like rude behavior to you might be totally acceptable to the other person. Clearly stating your thoughts and feelings to the person causing you the stress can sometimes relieve the pressure.

There is, however, the chance that talking with your rude co-worker won't work, in which case it's time to tell your boss about how the rudeness is negatively affecting your ability to do your job. A boss who wants a productive work force will take it upon herself to consider the situation and, if necessary, confront the person giving you grief.

Then again, the problem may be that your mean boss is the one causing you stress. Dealing with a bully for a boss can make every minute at work intolerable.

It may seem difficult if you prefer a non-confrontational lifestyle, but take the initiative to talk to your boss as soon as possible to try and ease the tension you're going through.

There's the chance that talking with your boss won't solve the problem; and if that 's the case you'll need to go over their head to get the problem resolved. Be sure to bring a list of specific times and events so that you can prove your case against your boss's mean conduct with upper management or the Human Resources department.

Having to cope with meanness or spitefulness from a supervisor is uncalled for in any workplace. In fact, it's bad for our economy that your productivity fails due to the antics of your superior.

Having too much work and impossible deadlines can make stress inevitable. Consider your personal limits and only agree to take on as much work as you can handle.

And remember -- everyone needs help now and again; just ask and be willing to reciprocate when your helpers call on you to help them complete their projects. Magic can happen when people work as a team.

There's a possibility that your stress in the workplace is coming from sources I haven't yet mentioned. Ultimately it's your call. You've got to figure out the thing -- or things -- causing stress for you in your work place and deal with it.

Don't let stress get the best of you no matter how stressful your work environment tends to be. Workplace stress management is on your "To Do" list every day if you work under conditions like the ones we just talked about. Take the upper hand and be proactive in living as stress free as possible.