151 Quick Ideas to Deal With Difficult People

79Don’t Take Disputes Personally

A dictionary definition of a cubical office could read: “A fragile ecosystem prone to instant flare-ups.” The closeness produces an environment that crackles with tension from repeated interruptions, shouting, and other discourtesies. It’s not surprising that a Cornell University study concluded that “open-office environments, especially cubicles, reduce individual performances and productivity.”

Assignment

Resolve to limit on-the-job stress by taking breaks away from your cubicle.

The key to handling conflict in this compressed environment is to give yourself a wide berth mentally. Start by remembering that a compact environment exaggerates disputes. If a colleague has a difficult personality to begin with, ...