Let’s face it. Whether you gig at a fortune 500 company, or a local factory, chances are you’re dealing with some, well… undesirables. True?
Sometimes “undesirables” come in the form of the inappropriate boss, like Michael Scott in the hilarious sitcom, The Office. Other times it may be the cubicle dweller that “cuts the cheese” more than your neighborhood deli. And rarely is any office environment without your garden-variety “toxic personalities.”
Think “Debbie Downer” of Saturday Night Live.
No matter how you cut it, they can make every day at work play out like dog years! But there’s a way to deal with these pesky devils without being relegated to a life of hell!
Why it’s important to manage the madness…
Besides being down-right annoying, “undesirables” can cause undue stress. And stress can lead to low productivity, illness, work place violence, absenteeism, and staff turnover. In fact, it’s estimated that this issue is so common place, that workplace stress costs U.S. Employers to the tune of 200 billion yearly.
Take heed.
Here are some tips for success and future sanity.
1. Learn the “Serenity Prayer.” I kid you not. Knowing what you can change and what is beyond your control will contribute greatly to your productivity and peace of mind. For years, I pulled my hair out trying to deal with the irrational, the irritating, and the down right icky. Then I had a revelation. You can’t change other people, but you can change how you choose to react to them! Act accordingly.
2. Choose your battles wisely. It’s not always necessary to take big stands on small issues. In other words, why spend hours defending your decision to vote for Obama, or battling with your boss over an unfair rule, or justifying the merits of “casual work day”? Take a chill pill. Your heart will thank you for it.
3. Strive for balance. “All work and no play” often leads to stress and a low tolerance for B.S. (and no, that’s not Bachelor of Science). The more you unwind and enjoy recreational activities away from work, the more likely you’ll be to have a refreshed spirit and a good attitude during challenging times.
4. Carry a Bible to work. If you’re a religious person, it will provide comfort and needed strength. If you’re not, it may convince you to become one!
5. Never underestimate the importance of humor. Look at the lighter side of things. Even the absurd can be made bearable with some laughter and a light heart. If you’re a creative person, incorporate those “characters” at work into a play, poem, essay, or non-fiction piece. Let them “work for you” instead of working your nerves!
6. Learn to tune out the chatter. If you’re a parent, I’m sure you’ve perfected this to an art form. Be selective about what you choose to take in and what you ignore.
7. Remember that “this too shall pass.” With any luck those undesirables will become a thing of the past once they retire, or you change departments, or quit, or you “kill off” your boss in your pending novel.
In the words of Jesse Jackson, “Keep hope alive!”
This is a post by Jennifer Brown Banks, a veteran freelance writer and pro blogger. She holds a B.A. in Business Management. Visit her site @ http://penandprosper.blogspot.com/
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