How do I handle toxic situations in a professional setting? What do I do when others take credit for my work? How do I have a professional conversation? Is it immature to go to a superior for help with a Coworker/Project partner? Should I be myself in a work environment? How do I manage immature people that I can not avoid?  

As always, these are extremely good questions. I will say that it is a little different based on the type of environment you are in. The responses can vary between a partnership on a project or just coworkers. Regardless of the situation, there are some consistencies in handling professional situations. 

One major thing you need to remember is to keep your emotions in check. Being too emotional around a topic weakens your control over the situation and nullifies the power of your words. You should also be extremely mindful of your word choice. Immature people often twist the words you say to make themselves the victim and take power over the situation, but if you make certain that there are no gaps in your language, you can keep them from twisting your words. This way, they will not be able to take your power. 

When someone takes credit for your work in a professional setting it’s hard to figure out what to do. I personally would not do anything on the first offence. Now if it is a more educational partnership, I would immediately take action because your education is extremely important. Before you take any conversation to a superior or teacher, you should attempt to have a civilized discussion with the person you’re in conflict with. 

Discussions are nerve-racking, but there are some things you want to do in preparation. Make sure to give them a few days heads-up, prepare what you are going to say, be sure to stay calm, and pick a place of neutral ground. Then, if that does not work and you do not see any change, you should go to your supervisor or teacher and inform them of the situation. 

As for being yourself, I hate to say it, but for the most part no. It’s a really complex question because professional settings are not the place to display yourself. Yes, of course you should be yourself in a sense of bringing in your own experiences and views of the world. But it is also often just a place of work, and you are not always working at a place for the people. Mostly, you are there for the money. 

The best way to deal with immature people in a professional way is just by being the bigger person. Be sure you set boundaries with them, and when they cross the line, assert yourself and reprimand them, teaching them it’s not ok to walk all over you. 

Do you need some advice? Are people in your life too indecisive? 

Do you need a new point of view?

Just email me at [email protected].