This week we’re keeping things light and practical. Now that many of us are returning to the “in-person” workplace and spending more time working around others.
Here are our best Covid-era tips for avoiding negative people. You may find our suggestions helpful in dealing with a wide range of people in all aspects of your life and career.
Tip # 1 -- Excuse yourself to go to the restroom: The best and most simple way of dodging someone at work is to excuse yourself to go to the bathroom.
Tip # 2 -- Enlist a wingman: Ask your work BFF in advance to please come and save you from your work enemy by asking if they can get your help with “something.”
Tip #3 -- Talk to a stranger: If you see someone you don't like waiting to talk to you, avoid the awkward situation, and strike up a conversation with a total stranger instead. It will buy you some time and an opportunity to slip away.
Tip # 4 -- Share that you don't feel well: Simply excuse yourself from the situation by saying that you feel like you're coming down with something and are feeling under the weather.
Tip #5 -- Pretend you are on the phone: most people won't interrupt someone who is involved in a telephone conversation. Successfully dodge someone by checking your messages, or even calling your own number and leaving yourself a message.
Tip # 6 -- Inform them that you're late for a meeting or appointment: A fool-proof way to avoid spending time with a colleague you don't like is to say that you have a prior engagement that you are running late for.
Tip # 7 -- Remember that "thing" that you forgot to do: When all else fails, tell your coworker that you just remembered something that you needed to do.
