How Successful People Handle 3 Types of Toxic Coworkers

How Successful People Handle 3 Types of Toxic Coworkers Every workplace is filled interesting personalities including frustrating ones.If you feel like youre surrounded by difficult people at the office perhaps people who talk too much or a micromanaging boss take heart, because youre not alone. Studies have found thatone in eight people leave a job due to problems with co-workers.Since we spend more time at work than at home (and quitting tomorrow isnt an option for most people) its worthwhile to figure out ways to get along.Positive coping strategies may not only save your sanity, but they can also improve your well-being more than complaining ever will. In fact, learning to deal with difficult people can be a powerful way todevelop your leadership skills.Here are some strategiesType 1 Theco-worker who hitsyouupon Slack tochataboutoffice politics.Gossip is compensatory strategy often used to cover low-self esteem orfeelings of powerlessness. Its likely your co-worker is communica ting this wayalbeit passively aggressively and manipulativelyto seek connection.Nonetheless, hanging around gossiping co-workers is energy draining. Plus, getting embroiled in rumor-mongering can damage your professional reputation.To disengage from this toxic cycle, use a simple formula empathize and redirect.First validate your co-worker, letting them know theyre being heard. By saying something like Ugh, itis frustrating to feel confused, youre not agreeing with or justifying their behavior, youre simply mirroring how they feel without getting involved or talking about other people. Your focus is on them, which is probably their favorite subject anyway.You can then use redirection, including focusing on positives, Sorry thats still bothering you. For now lets talk about how things are going with the new project or impose a solution-based boundary like You should talk directly with Jim rather than me to solve this.Type 2 Theco-workerwho is negativeabout...well,everything.Co-worker s who have a victim mentality act like being busy is a badge of honor. Workaholism isnt healthy, so be careful not to reward or enable their behavior. Keep your own work-life balance in check so you dont enable an office culture obsessed with productivity.If youre dealing with someone who constantly shoots down ideas inmeetings, respond withthought-provoking questionslike, Thats an interesting point. What will help us make sure this project is a success? This strategically interrupts their critical pattern and createspsychological safetyfor creative brainstorming.Type 3 Theco-workerwho gets too close for comfort.When someones behavior is inappropriate for the workplacelike flirting or remarks about age, appearance or genderyou have to draw a line. The key to establishing and maintaining boundaries is to enforce them immediately and assertively.That may mean pulling out a go-to phrase like Sorry, I have to get back to work as soon as you feel a twinge of discomfort, instead of lettin g the inappropriate action happen for longer than it should.Speak up should matters get out of pfote andtake the right stepsto escalate it to your boss or HR.Whenever possible, try to first assumepositive intent. Everyone at the office, including you, is an imperfect human being. Remembering that we all havestrengths and weaknessescan be a good first step towards developing the type of empathy and emotional immunity needed to survive in a less than perfect workplace.--Melody Wilding is a coach and licensed social worker who helpsambitious high-achievers manage the emotional aspects of having asuccessful career. Her clients include CEOs and C-level executives at top Fortune 500 companies such as Google and HP, as well as media personalities, startup founders, and entrepreneurs across industries. She also teaches Human Behavior at Hunter College in NYC. Get free tools to grow your career confidence atmelodywilding.com.A version of this article originally appeared on Forbes.