Your Team

Unfortunately, unlike when when we were kids playing a rousing game of kickball and could pick the guys and gals we wanted our team, the workplace offers no such luxuries. It's a job, it's work, it's our livelihood. As such, we need to get along with those around us as much as we can in order to pay the bills. Sure it would be wonderful if we could work with friends, but reality dictates otherwise. Recent studies indicate that conflicts in the workplace are on the rise. One such study concluded that...“18% of an administrator's time -- more than nine weeks out of every year -- is spent resolving conflicts among employees” (“Surviving Office Politics.” Talent Scout. April 16, 1998).
Poor interpersonal relationships in the workplace can easily provide sufficient enough distraction that our job performance becomes jeopardized. We simply cannot allow these career pitfalls to occur. Someone has to play the mature roll and swallow some pride no matter how bitter it may taste. After all, when you break these poor relationships down to the core. It's simply a matter of being nicer to each other. Getting to know the individual responsible for your grief off site, is a fantastic way to address any concerns. Escaping the rigid environment of the office and going to a non-threatening, neutral, place such as a coffee house, can pay huge dividends. Plus, this approach will instantly put you in the drivers seat while offering you a tremendous opportunity to hash out differences.
Still, some relationships are truly beyond repair. In such extreme cases, never add fuel to the fire. Remain professional and in the end the disagreement will look completely one-sided.
The workplace of today often involves fewer people taking on more and more responsibilities. Privacy is often a foreign concept. Under such conditions, stress levels are higher. Separate yourself from controversy by refusing to react emotionally. Step back and take a break before taking any action that could later be detrimental.
The only winner in these office wars is the one who tries to make peace. Put something in your work area that makes you happy. It could be a family photo, a plant, or anything personal that you can refer to during difficult moments. Focusing on these items for only 15 seconds can truly impact your mood.