Survival Guide - Dealing With Toxic Workers

Everyone deals with toxic people everyday, whether the person is a co-worker, a boss, a client, or even a customer.  Humans have this knack for having bad moments, but sometimes these "bad moments" can go to the extreme.  Obviously it is difficult to work in a toxic environment, and here are some ideas how to deal with this type of behavior.

• Examine your own actions: Make sure you are not doing or saying something to bring on the toxic behavior. Apologize if necessary, so the situation can be settled and everyone can move on.
• If other's actions are just too much to handle: If it is possible keep your distance, be polite, and just agree to disagree.
• Avoid confrontation: With toxic people, confrontation will never solve anything, usually making things worse.
• Do the best you can to have a positive attitude: This is not always easy to do. Try to take a few deep breaths, and look at the positive side of each situation.
• Be the bigger person: Walk away if a situation gets to a point where nothing is being accomplished. Walk away in agreement to deal with it later, when emotions are NOT involved.