Sometimes the smallest action, or inaction, can have a big effect on how we feel about our colleagues. Imagine that you emailed a coworker days ago and they haven’t replied. You might think the person is being rude, but they may just be under a tight deadline &mdash and already feel bad about the delay. We encounter these minor but meaningful situations all the time, which is why it’s important to consider their broader context before jumping to conclusions. When a colleague’s behavior is affecting you in a negative way, ask yourself what their point of view might be. Could they be focused on an important project for the boss? Is something in their personal life distracting them? It can help to think about how the situation would look to an outside observer: Is anything actually amiss, or does it just seem that way because you’re caught up in what’s happening? Relationships with colleagues can make work more fun and enjoyable (or the opposite), so assume the best about people — and try not to take things personally.
Adapted from “The Little Things That Affect Our Work Relationships,” by Kerry Roberts Gibson and Beth Schinoff
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