How to Cope With an Arrogant Co-Worker

Arrogant coworkers can either bring out the worst in us or push us to gain new levels of skill. Follow these steps to maintain productivity in the company of an arrogant coworker.

Instructions

1- Realize that the offensive coworker is dealing with issues that have nothing to do with you. Depersonalizing the offensive behavior can neutralize your reactions.
2- Become the calming influence that you wish to see in others. Just as negativity poisons a workplace, so positive action creates its own attraction. A compliment goes a long way to diffusing an outburst or overbearing rant.
3- Nip rude and obnoxious behavior in the bud. Calmly state your boundaries to the coworker the first time he or she tries to bend your will or dominate your space.
4- Divert your attention from the arrogant coworker to others in the workplace that could benefit by your coping mechanisms. When the gossip mill stirs, share your own experience and how it works.
5-Learn to exude confidence while developing your coping skills. But beware of the fine line between confidence and arrogance. You do not want to turn into the object of your initial distress.
6- Remind yourself that you are at work to make a living, not to make friends. When all the niceties fail, tell him off. Cross those boundaries, draw a line in the tile and tell off the offending boor in words that leave no room for interpretation that you will not deal with the high horse any longer.