How to handle some of the most awkward work situations

Awkward work situations need to be managed! How do you do that? Let’s find out.

It is strange, but if we look back, there’s a lot of time we spend at work and sometimes things at work can get awkward. You always need to be sensitive and smart when maneuvering awkward work situations. It requires a combination of communication skills, emotional intelligence, professionalism, and honestly some smartness. So here are some of the most common awkward work situations and how you can navigate through them. 

• When dealing with a difficult colleague

Always maintain your calm when dealing with someone difficult, stay calm and composed, and do not in any way try to accelerate the issue by shouting or accusing someone. It is also important to stay focused on the issue and not bring in any personal criticism. Communicate openly, but also stay diplomatic about the problem and if needed, seek assistance from a supervisor or HR if necessary. 

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• Whenever you receive constructive criticism or any criticism in the workplace, listen actively without getting defensive. Make sure that you ask for specific examples to understand the situation better, and do express gratitude for the ones who give you the feedback and use it as an opportunity to grow further.
• Handling socially awkward situations

There might be times when someone invites you for a drink or asks you out on a date, but you want to maintain a professional relationship. Make sure you decline the invitation very politely, saying that you have other commitments or you would possibly do this next time. If needed, you can also redirect the conversation to work-related topics. Make sure that you are polite but also firm in establishing and maintaining personal boundaries. 

• Addressing a mistake

If you feel that there has been a mistake from your end or that of your colleague, be very kind about it. Take responsibility when it is your mistake and propose a solution or steps to rectify the error. If it is a mistake that has been made by your colleague, do not address it in public. Rather speak to them personally. Let them know what can be done to make the situation better. 

• Office gossip is one of the biggest awkward situations. Make sure that you do not participate in this office gossip because office gossip can turn into politics very quickly and can put you in an awkward position with others. Change the subject or walk away if others engage in gossip around you. The important part is you focus on work alone.

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• Whenever you disagree with a supervisor, be very open about it. Try to talk to them and explain your point of view. It is not only important to prove yourself but to also understand their point of view. Propose solutions or compromises that align with company goals.
• There can be times when a sensitive topic is brought up in the office. Make sure you are empathetic and try to understand the mood of the place and person before commenting on anything. Use “I” statements to express your thoughts and feelings and try to find common grounds to work on. 
• There can be a situation when your personal life starts impacting your work. In such a case, ensure that you maintain some work-life boundaries. Also, openly communicate with your supervisor if personal issues are affecting your work. Seek assistance from HR or employee assistance programs if available.

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