Wednesday, November 4, 2009

This week's Money Matters centers on how to get along with your coworkers in the workforce and how it can influence your promotion and earnings potential.

1. Identify problem people. Learn to recognize when a coworker is toxic. Difficult people come in all types. Some talk constantly and never listen. Others must have the last word. A toxic coworker can be anything from a gossip to a back stabber.

2. Assess you situation. Take a deep breath and try to understand exactly what is happening to you. Realize you are not alone.

3. Take concrete action. It usually won't go away by ignoring the problem. Let the coworker know you are on to his or her game and that you will take matters to a higher authority of necessary.

4. Don't let the problem fester. Make sure to take action swiftly. You may eventually become so angry that your efforts to address the situation become irrational.

5. Don't sink to their level. Some no, no's include sending anonymous notes, gossiping about the person, bad-mouthing him or her to others. Just keep it private.

Take comfort in the fact that many times a difficult co-worker doesn't last long on the job. If the person is bugging you, chances are he or she is bugging the boss too and the problem may go away by itself. If you're lucky.