When you have to deal with toxic people at work, it’s never fun. I call these soul-sucking people the See You Next Tuesdays of the world.
Some of you Hansels & Gretels clearly see the breadcrumbs I’ve left for you in the Enchanted Forest of Euphemisms . . .
You people are my people!
Originally, I wrote this post a few weeks ago, but I had to trash what I’d written, because I’d let one of these See You Next Tuesdays get to me.
I’d let this particular See You Next Tuesday drag me over to the dark side, and my light saber was in the shop.
Man-o-man, that post was 700 words of pure negativity, complete with bullet points, slideshows, a Power Point presentation, graphs, charts and video!
Well, maybe I’m over exaggerating, just a tad, but trust me, it was about as negative as a post could get.
So let’s focus on the positive points when you’re faced with dealing with a toxic person at work, shall we?
But first, we must identify the See You Next Tuesday people of which I speak.
Plainly put, toxic people make every effort to cut you down and make you feel unworthy, so that they feel better about themselves.
They’re drowning in their own misery, and, sadly, only receive any joy in their world by making others miserable.
I don’t know why they behave in this manner or how this somehow — in their twisted melons — makes them happy.
All I know for sure, there is almost always one See You Next Tuesday in any workplace.
Enough said.
Let’s focus on the positive when you have to deal with toxic people at work!
Reiterating a little of what’s in my post 10 New Career Tips, it’s important that you set instant boundaries with a See You Next Tuesday.
Let Them Know You’re Not Going To Participate In Office Gossip:
When I’m approached by these people, I’ll reply with, “Sorry. I’ll always defend the person who’s not in the room, since they can’t defend themselves,” as I begin to turn away from them.
Setting clear boundaries sends an even more-clear message to the gossiper that you aren’t willing to participate.
Walk Away From A See You Next Tuesday At The First Opportunity:
Telling the self-appointed company gossip that you’re so busy, you just can’t talk at that particular moment while walking away, is the easiest escape route.
Be Polite and Professional To A See You Next Tuesday, But Don’t Allow Yourself To Be Lulled Into Believing They’re Kind:
See You Next Tuesdays are master manipulators, and very good at portraying themselves as kind and decent people.
They’re not.
Here’s the simple rule: If someone is willing to talk smack about another person TO you, then they will talk smack ABOUT you.
There are no exceptions to this rule. None.
Smile And Go About Your Day:
Smile. Separate yourself from the See You Next Tuesday and focus on the task at hand.
You’re at work. This isn’t high school.
Do your job and let the See You Next Tuesday move on to the next person.
It’s also worth mentioning that it’s important that you surround yourself with like-minded colleagues — people who are also focused on the task at hand, as well as the big picture, and aren’t willing — or won’t allow themselves to be dragged down into the mires of the toxic people at work.
Using these simple steps may help you learn how to deal with toxic people at work.
I refuse to let the See You Next Tuesday people of the world win!
More tomorrow,
-A