Rude behavior at work – Photo: village.com

‘Tis the season to be merry…and put up with all kinds of rudeness, including at work. I’m not sure if it’s the stress of the holidays, or if because most people just don’t want to be at work, whatever it is, it’s prime time for rude behavior worldwide. From the angry customer yelling at the cashier to get their .2225555% discount on that ugly sweater, to your client at work pushing back on how much time you spend working for them, of all people…And while it’d be easy to check the angry lady in the store, or give the guy who stole your parking spot (really, dude) a piece of your sick and tired mind, telling co-workers, clients or colleagues what time it is, is slightly more challenging….

Yet there are smart, peaceful ways to deal with rude people, at work or in life. As an auditor by trade, I’ve had my share of ahem…interesting clients, colleagues and co-workers. When you ask questions for a living, you run the risk of pissing people off and getting a rude response (or two).

And after many a rude responses, a lot of “no she didn’t”, and a few “Ooooh if my paycheck didn’t depend on this”, here are a few no-nonsense, professional yet assertive ways to deal with the rudeness in the workplace:

1. Do not ignore it! Remember the saying about “teaching others how to treat you”? Well, it applies at work too…Do not allow anyone to step on your toes and disrespect you, because all you’ll be doing is reinforce a destructive pattern that will end up hurting your career.

2. Respond immediately! Nothing like beating the iron when it’s still hot! Address the situation immediately using the same context it was created in. Whether it’s shooting back a professional email, or clearly and respectfully asking the person to stop their damaging behavior, react well and react NOW!

3. Remain courteous but firm! When addressing rudeness at work, do not give back what’s been served to you, EVER! Use courtesy and professionalism at all times, but be firm!
4. Document E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G! Keep a record of all offensive communications, as well as your responses. If the person’s behavior is verbal, confirm it via email or written documentation.

5. Don’t hate, elevate! If the offense is repeated multiple times, or if there appears to be no other alternative, elevate the issue to management or Human Resources. This is where your written records of the situation come in handy.

6. It’s not about you! Rude behavior has more to do with the perpetrator than with you! So nix the guilt trip, and recognize it’s not about you!

7. Take responsibility and move on! Acknowledge the situation, take responsibility for any part you may have had in it, fix what’s in your control, and move on! There’s no point dwelling on the negative. Remain professional and keep kicking a…, that’s just what you do!

How do you deal with rude people at work?

The Corporate Sis.