QUESTION: I am not able to team with him.
FACT: He, too, might think the same way.
Sometimes, a person feels helpless while trying to team up with a particular person. He tries his best to build a. relationship with the person, but he sees no result. He feels frustrated and puts the blame on this person for his lack of willingness to take that extra step. Every person has his own working style and belief system. Some possess strong convictions; regarding certain facets of work life, and may prove difficult to get along with.
Throughout one’s career, one keeps encountering people who are difficult to work with. The person’s style of communication, the words he chooses, his facial expression, all might add up to a feeling of repulsion, While some people are open and transparent and one can read their feelings very easily, it is the opposite case with others. Impressions are formed through interactions; it is through them that we start respecting a person or avoiding him.
Usually, a person you don’t like will quickly sense your feeling but may not know the exact reason behind it. And as this feeling grows on your past, the other person, too, starts disliking you. Thus, a complicated situation arises in the teaming of you two.
It is not right to avoid people you don’t like. The best way to eliminate personal prejudice is to accept the fact that it is possible for a team to have diverse opinions.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS THE EMPLOYEE? For a successful and fruitful work relationship, you should focus on the strength of the person and how this strength can be useful for’ the team. Any behavioral trait you find irritating in this person should not stop you from valuing his contributions.’ If you start focusing more on his behavioral traits that upset you, you will only worsen the situation. it is always better for you to take the first step rather than wait for this person to take the initiative.
when you have changed the way you perceive him, the person will sense this. change and start reciprocating positively. That will get your workplace relationship on to the right track.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS THE MANAGER? Companies spend a lot of money in developing people’s skills and in building organizational culture. The value system of your company should be crisply articulated. to each and every team member. If you find anyone exhibiting any kind of behavior that violates this value system, proper mentoring and coaching should be provided to address the issue. You have an important role to play in setting up the right work environment, one that will fuel good team spirit and keep bad vibes at bay.
