Avoiding Drama at Work The Dos and Donts

Avoiding Drama at Work The Do's and Don'ts Image via Pixabay.com If you’re stuck listening to gossip, The Muse suggests having a “go-to escape phrase a polite but firm way to see yourself from a conversation that isn’t going anywhere productive.” Try saying, “I’m sorry, but I need to get back to work.” Rumors are embarrassing. Even if it starts as something innocent, it will get twisted in a game of “Whisper Down the Lane” and damage a reputation. It can even result in someone losing their job. DO keep your work life and personal life separate It’s okay to spend time with co-workers outside of the workplace, and it’s usually encouraged by your bosses (staff bonding, right?). However, there needs to be a limit to how much you let coworkers into your personal matters. It’s never easy to put on a brave face for work when you have too much going on at home, but try your best to leave any problems at the door. You might want to vent to a coworker about your home life in the break room, but you never know who else might be listening with mal-intent. No one has the right to spread your personal business but you. DON’T vent to one coworker about another coworker It’s understandable if you want to get something off your chest. But, it’s better to save it for when you get home. Talk to a friend outside of your workplace. Being close with one or two of your coworkers creates a better atmosphere, but you never know if they’re closer to someone else. When you vent, the person listening might feel obligated to tell their closer coworker that you’re talking about them. They might promise not to tell, but you never know their true intentions. FastCompany points out that “the last thing you want is for your criticisms to  get back to your boss  or other higher-ups.” Avoid any awkwardness or hurt feelings by keeping your thoughts to yourself for a little while. Remember that rumors sometimes stem from venting. DO keep work off of social media Image via Pixabay.com There’s always been controversy about adding employers and co-workers to your social media. Some companies ask for your Facebook name and Twitter handle upon being hired so that they can keep track of you. Its best to avoid venting on the Internet. If you think it might stir up trouble, don’t post it, especially if you’re using a company laptop or phone. Even if you’re careful not to allow anyone from work to see your posts, a friend of a friend of your boss might stumble upon it and get you in trouble. DON’T talk down to anyone The company will work best if everyone in its branches is treated equally. You might be a manager or a vice president, but the people below you shouldn’t feel inferior. You might also just be better at the job than one of your coworkers, but try not to brag about it. Use any power or skills that you have to motivate others. Author Kenneth Blanchard said, “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” Bosses, put the well-being of your employees first. Employees, build each other up. You’ll see a surge of success for the entire operation in the long run. DO help your coworkers instead of competing Every type of job has a hierarchy, and positions in the hierarchy are limited. For example, retail generally has a small handful of managers in a store. So maybe you and a coworker are both working hard for a position that only one of you can have and it’s getting intense. Image via Pixabay One of the biggest drama-starters in a workplace is a sense of competition. Instead of sabotaging each other or pointing out each other’s mistakes, try helping each other. If a coworker is struggling with a task, explain it until they get the hang of it. You might fear that they’ll end up with your promotion, but put that aside for the good of the group. Your boss will notice your professionalism. Your coworkers will feel more comfortable helping each other, too, and the entire company will grow stronger. DON’T let anger take over Nothing seems worse than injustice in the workplace, but try not to blow a mental fuse over it. Keep calm and keep your head clear. Don’t be so quick to respond to the email that sounds like an attack on you and your team. Don’t fire back with a passive-aggressive remark if a coworker tries to push your buttons in the meeting. Walk away from the conversation whether it’s virtual or in person and take a minute to think. Drama often starts from things said in the heat of an argument. Remember that you’re there to get a job done, and focusing on anger will ruin the quality of your work. DO deal with disputes calmly and discreetly Sometimes drama at work is unavoidable, even if you follow this guide. If you should happen to run into an issue, be sure to handle it in a civilized manner. Sit down with your coworker and talk it out. “Meeting with your offending coworker first gives him or her the chance to address the behavior, especially before you escalate to your boss or HR,” according to Verily Magazine. Keep anyone else out of it, because the last thing you need is the whole building taking sides in an argument they had nothing to do with. Make sure you talk in person, too. Emails or texting lead to misinterpretations and bigger problems. The drama will only last as long as you allow it to, so end it quickly. Image via Pixaby.com You don’t have to be the peacemaker every time the office drama queen acts up, but your progress shouldn’t be hindered, either. The most important part of avoiding drama in the workplace is putting your own future first. Plus, remember this: a drama-free job is a happy job.