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How To Handle The Most Awkward Situations
Accidentally insulting someone
Maybe you sent a text or email to the wrong person that included a less than positive opinion of the person who just received it.
Don’t make up an excuse or try to backtrack; a candid conversation will lead to forgiveness much faster than a bunch of BS. Apologize only if you care. And if you don’t like someone, use the mistake to get them out of your life.
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The lazy coworker
If you’re working with someone who isn’t pulling their weight, the key to solving this issue is to not give them too many chances.
Explain to your coworker that the project is important to you, and you want to make sure you both see things the same way. Also, talk about your needs instead of their faults.
Awkward conversations
At a party or conference where small talk with someone nearby becomes awkward:
- excuse yourself to get a drink/coffee.
- say “It’s nice talking to you, but I have to talk to someone before they leave.”
- if your conversation is on the phone, end it by saying, “I’d love to catch up, but I have somewhere to be.”
Quitting your job
The key to handling this awkward situation is letting your supervisor know it’s you and not them. Tell your boss you’ve found a job that allows you to learn something new. Focus on what the new job offers and how it will help you accomplish your goals instead of what your current job lacked.
Working for a bad boss
- Figure out the real issue before you speak to your supervisor.
- Instead of “You’re difficult,” say “It’s difficult for me to do my job well when I’m not given updated information.”
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions about things that are your responsibility.
- And if this doesn’t help, ask a trusted colleague if others are having the same issue. There can be power in numbers if everyone comes forward with the same complaint.
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Accept and Acknowledge Personality Differences
Small tics will be magnified and personality differences lead to varying work styles, which can easily turn into conflict.
Conflict can even arise from something as simple as you desiring a quiet lunch period, while your coworkers like to socialize. These types of things are simply differences in how you work or socialize, and don’t necessarily make your coworkers bad.
Know the Pros and Cons of the Work Culture
Some work cultures are notoriously demanding and competitive, which can obviously lead to a lot of conflict.
In a sales environment where folks are competing for commissions and bonuses, it’s understandable that not everyone would be over-the-top friendly with each other. You should consider whether you might be misinterpreting behavior or overreacting to it.
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The Job Interview
Hunting for a job is a tricky process and may have many pitfalls. Many of us are not accustomed to having these kinds of conversations or handling the power dynamics of a job interview. There can b...
A Long Multi-Round Process
If you feel there is fog ahead of you due to opacity in the interview process and the multiple rounds, you can simply ask the next steps of the process and the timeline for a decision.
If you think the employer has an elongated set of rounds ahead, request to consolidate them if possible.
Stumped By A Question
Instead of bluffing your way through a question that you are completely stumped with, it is better to be upfront and handle it with honesty and grace. Tell them straight away that you do not know the answer to this question and what similar things you have done which have been effective.
Your life experiences are unique and not identical to what the interviewer is trying to ‘slot’ you into.
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Awkward Work Scenarios
- Others taking credit for your work: speak up when presenting your joint ideas, else the boss will remember that the other was the one who did all the talking.