Personal stories & quotes to help you deal with difficult people at work
Being a nurse is one of the most rewarding careers one could have, at least it has been for me. College prepared me to become a nurse so why is it that no one mentioned the hardest part of my job would be difficult people I work with and the dreaded workplace drama?
I just finished a travel assignment in Austin, Texas and I just want to clarify this post has NOTHING to do with my co-workers there. They've been nothing, but awesome and quite frankly they are the most hilarious people I've ever worked with. This topic has been brewing inside me since day one in my career as a nurse.
And now that I'm in Rome with a glass wine and nothing but time on my hands it's the perfect moment to share it with you. So whether you're a nurse or an astronaut working with another human being, buckle up we're going on a ride. I hope this list makes your little heart smile and your work life more enjoyable.
1.Smile at work. I do this because I can sense the impact it has when I do it. Granted it may not be realistic to smile especially in some situations, but I try to when I can because I know good vibes are contagious.
Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.
~ Rumi
2. Be wise without rubbing it in. Intelligence doesn't need to be advertised
Everyone wants to be respected no matter their status. I use to work with a Surgeon who would mop his OR after his surgery to help the staff get the room ready for the next procedure. It was humbling to see this brilliant surgeon take this role even though he had so many other important things that needed to be done.
3. Humans are emotional creatures and their personal problems can often be reflected at work.I genuinely listen and ask questions & try to be understanding, but If I know that a person has a “woe is me” attitude EVERY SINGLE TIME I talk to them I avoid them.
“If you are irritated by every rub, how will you be polished?” – Rumi
4. With time and experience I’ve gained self-control when dealing with rude behavior. It takes strength to be understanding and forgiving.
Listen with ears of tolerance! See through the eyes of compassion! Speak with the language of love. -Rumi
5. I’m soft spoken at work and I mumble a lot. Maybe thats not your thing, but its helps me stay in my line.
“Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” – Rumi
6. I love pets, but I don’t have one so I love hearing about my co-workers pet and often they are hilarious stories of how their pets bring them lots of love and laughter. I get to know people through listening to what makes them happy.
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love” – Rumi
7. I try to start my dat at work with positive vibes, in all circumstances. I avoid conversations and confrontations when i’m tired, hungry, overworked, emotional, or at the end of the day. I just tell the person, I can’t talk right now.It helps me know my limits
As you start to walk out on the way, the way appears.
~Rumi
8. When all things fail, bring a mediator and express your concerns. Sometimes drama and conflicts get out of control. Allowing a third party to shed light is the appropriated thing to do
Well I hope this was helpful or maybe you knew it already. I would love to hear how you deal with these situations. Leave a comment and let us know. Ciao!
