Seven Things to Think About When It Comes to . . . Avoiding Coworkers You Don't Like

There are lots of people in the world. Some we have to work with even though we don’t like or get along with them personally. The next time you are forced to have an awkward conversation or socialize with someone who you really don’t care for - think again. Here are seven (7) ways to avoid spending more time with them than you have to.

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.

2. Enlist a wingman: Ask your work BFF in advance to come and intervene. If they see you with your work enemy, tell them to please interrupt by asking for your help with something.

3. Talk to a stranger: If you see someone you don’t like waiting to talk to you, avoid the awkward situation by striking up a conversation with a total stranger instead. It will buy you some time and an opportunity to slip away.

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 or are feeling under the weather.

5. you are on the phone: Most people won’t interrupt someone who is involved in a telephone conversation. So successfully dodge someone by checking your messages, or even calling your own number and leaving yourself a message.

6. Inform them that you’re late for a meeting or appointment: A full-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.

7. Remember that “thing” that you forgot to do: When all else fails, tell your coworker that you just remembered something that you need to do.

In life and career we will encounter personalities we simply don’t like. However, just because you work with someone doesn’t mean you have to spend more time with them than necessary. This week remind yourself that you can avoid spending time with not-so-nice coworkers by using one of these or other simple ways to sidestep an awkward encounter.