As you know, I usually discuss topics on freelance writing, blogging and self-publishing on Marcie Writes. Today I’m going to share how I maintained my sanity while working with a negative person.
Before I begin, let me say that I’m not perfect and don’t proclaim to be on any level. However, I strive for peace; try to encourage and uplift others through word and deed; and will help you if I can.
For the past few weeks I worked on a gig, which was a great opportunity. I met a lot of fun, interesting and cool people. However, the person I worked with soured the experience a bit.
Here are some of the things that challenged my sanity:
1. This person was an arrogant, garrulous, opinionated, self-absorbed know-it-all whose favorite topics were “me, myself and my dog.”
2. This person snitched and lied on me on our team conference call on the first day of work. Then tried to blame “their” actions on stuff that didn’t go well during the gig. One thing had nothing to do with the other.
3. This person discussed inappropriate topics and personal information DURING work. These topics included male/female relationships, family, religion and politics.
4. This person answered policy and business process questions that we were not qualified to answer.
5. This person got funky with me when I tried to correct or guide “them” at work.
6. This person complained about everything through the very last day.
Needless to say, working with this person was mentally and emotionally draining, but it did increase my spiritual life. Here’s how I maintained my sanity while working with this person.
How to Maintain Your Sanity
1. Listen. When people talk as much as this person did, they are going to tell you everything. I knew “they” were going to snitch on me before it happened because “they” said they snitched on their friends growing up.
2. Stay focused. In this situation, I stayed focused on why I was there: to do my job and to get paid for a job well done.
3. Limit conversations. This was easy to do since “they” were their favorite topic and “they” knew everything.
4. Pray constantly. Normally, I pray in the morning when I wake up and talk to God on my way to work. But on any given day I had to ask God to help me hold my tongue and give me patience.
5. Address issues immediately. When my partner snitched and lied, I wasn’t going to address it until the next day. Because of the situation, we had our conversation during the conference call. Yes, people heard us.
6. Give thanks consistently. During this gig, I was thankful for the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and do what I enjoy doing.
7. Celebrate the ending. I did this for two reasons. First, I no longer had to work with this person. And second, the ending of this gig marked a new beginning for me.
I just wanted to share this experience because you just never know when you’ll encounter someone like this person, if you haven’t done so already. And you need to be ready mentally, spiritually and emotionally.
How About You?
If you are dealing with someone like this (or have dealt with them), how do/did you maintain your sanity when working with him or her? Let us know in the comment box below.