We all know that coworker – the person who makes accomplishing tasks impossible by blatantly being a distraction, or a roadblock to progress. Although irritation with this individual may seem overwhelming, it’s important to step back and find a way to move forward.

Leaders at Reynolds and Reynolds encourage building healthy relationships through team building and other company-sponsored events. If you are unable to find common ground in a more relaxed setting, here are a few tips they recommend:

1) Be a Leader

Lead by example and treat others how you would like to be treated. When faced with conflict, remain professional. Don’t express your distress to your coworkers or stir up further drama. When the going gets tough, take a small break to regain composure once the confrontation has finished. If tensions are more than you can handle, consult your manager or a mentor.

2) Self Reflect

The human mind is arguably the most complex structure in the universe. We each think, feel, and perceive situations in a unique way. A Psychology Today article explains how we use our interpretations of a person’s behavior to formulate their character. Think about the person who irritates you. Are their messages bothering you, or your interpretation?

3) Make Your Needs Known

No matter what the barrier may be, it is important to overcome it. Redirect a coworker’s language or phrasing by saying, “I might understand more if I hear…” when they say something that bothers you. Use “I feel” or “I hear” phrases to communicate your perspective while not placing blame on the other party. If you can help your coworker recognize how you feel and how to better convey messages, progress may be made.

4) Train Your Brain

Once a trait begins to bother you, other irritants soon follow. To prevent a pileup of negative emotions, train your brain to see positive attributes. Verbal compliments or positive thinking may take away some negativity associated with the coworker. Eventually, this can lead to a neutral opinion.

We may not be able to choose our team for every project, but we can choose to make the most of every situation. Work to become a true team player. You never know, maybe that coworker will turn out to be your favorite person to work with in the future.