When it comes to your job there's always going to be drama around you, especially if you work in an actual office.   So while it's easy to not be the cause of drama in most cases, it's also important to find a way to not let the surrounding drama affect you. 

Here are a few tips to do just that. 

Mind Your Own | I always say just keep your head down and do your thing.  If there's drama, don't get involved.  If someone is telling you about something, play dumb like you didn't already know about it.   You never want to be the source of gossip in an office because it will always come back to bite you in the ass. 

Be the Bigger Person | I have a boss that I used to work for and she likes to say nasty things about me to my coworkers.  I know it's because she's jealous of me because I could literally run circles around her, but I also have to handle it in a mature way.   Sometimes you have to be the bigger person and just not play her game.  Don't try to start rumors about HER for revenge, and don't try to kiss her ass.  In fact, it's totally acceptable to just act as if she doesn't exist even in passing, unless it's in a meeting and you have to hold a door open for her, etc. 


Be Everyone's Friend | Just because a friend in the office doesn't like someone, doesn't mean you should automatically be against them.   Be friendly and cordial to everyone.   It will always pay off because everyone will have something good to say about your friendly ways. 

Be Your Own Person | Sometimes little cliques form in an office and they can make other people feel left out or cause them to assume you are similar to the people in that clique.  Don't align yourself with any clique.   Chat with EVERYONE when in large meetings, and say hi to everyone.   Also, don't stand in a group and gossip or whisper.  It always gets noticed, trust me! 

Do you have any tips for staying drama-free in a workplace? 

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5 Ways to Deal With A Negative Coworker

Whether it's a a coworker you're friends with or someone in your personal life, negative people can be a real drain on our mood.  You can start the day off great yourself with a positive attitude, but the second they approach you and start complaining, it starts to pull you down as well.

It's important to know how to handle this person while keeping your own positive attitude going.  One thing you have to remember is you can't change someone else, but you can change how you react.  These tips should help.




[1] Laugh It Off
When they start complaining about what so-and-so is wearing, we tend to want to agree to appease them.  But instead of saying "Yea, that looks horrible" and putting that negative energy out there, just giggle and shrug or shake your head.  If your coworker still insists you react by saying "Don't you think it looks weird?", just reply with something carefree like "Yeppers, she's got her own sense of style that's for sure."  This way you aren't necessarily saying something negative, you are just making a neutral observation.

[2] Lightly Correct Them
We all have that person that has to make comments like "Ugh, everyone in here annoys me."  How can you respond so that your energy and mindset stays positive and they can't really come back at you with more negaivity?  Reply with something like "Hey now, it could always be worse.   I'm trying to keep a more positive attitude lately."  

[3] Don't Engage Them First
If you keep exposing yourself to this person willingly then you are kind of asking for their negativity.  Instead of starting conversations, just keep to yourself and let them approach you.  That way you aren't choosing to initiate a conversation that may turn into a bitchfest.

[4] Call Them Out
Sometimes you need to straight up call people out.  The next time they complain about how much they hate their job or their boss just say "Your attitude about all this seems to really be taking a toll on you, you should really try to be a little bit more positive just for your own sake."  It's not like you're insulting them, you are simply making an observation and a suggesstion.

[5] Drive Them Nuts With Positivity
So your cubemate comes up and immediately has to bash another coworker's new hairstyle.  Saying something like "I like it, plus Susan's always so helpful to me."  This will likely cancel out their negativity and they may even look stunned like they don't know what hit them.

Have you ever had an experience with a negative coworker?

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