You’ve heard the saying – it takes all kinds to make the world go ‘round. There are many different types of personalities out there, and often, it takes different types to make a production successful. However, it can be especially difficult to deal with certain personalities at work. So, what should you do if you find yourself struggling to concentrate on your duties while working alongside those less than agreeable types?
While you never want to risk burning a bridge in the who’s who entertainment industry, at some point, you’ll have to address any conflict that is keeping you from performing at your best. If you are working alongside someone who is continuously doing things to sabotage your work – such as supplying you with the wrong script, somehow always spilling their drinks on your wardrobe, or giving you incorrect dates for shoots, for example, you’ll obviously need to speak up. The production won’t be successful unless everyone is showing up on time, prepared, and ready to get to work. You can’t possibly expect to be effective when you’re being sabotaged.
Or, perhaps you’re working alongside someone who is fabricating stories to make you look bad. You could have landed a role they were really hoping to fill, or you could have a distressed personal connection with them off set that you know better than to let interfere with your work. Nevertheless, the contention is evident. Again, the whole production will suffer if the conflict is not resolved.
If you are in a detrimental situation and can’t afford to give up your spot, there are a few things you can do, according to Forbes. First, engage in a little self-reflection. Are you sure it’s not you that’s the problem? How do you interact with others on the set? Do you find all your relationships with co-workers are strained or is this situation isolated?
If there is something you are doing to cause conflict and you can admit this to yourself, take some action steps to change. You may not like everyone you’re working with, but this doesn’t mean you can’t work with them. When you’re attempting to build your resume, the focus should always be on task at hand. Leave any other issues at the door.
If you must, be the bigger person and address a difficult co-worker in a pleasant, approachable manner. Remember the type of person you want to work with and always be this person. Tell the individual why you’re hurt and try to clear the air. Sometimes all it takes is a little communication and honesty. Having the courage to speak up has a tendency to throw an offender off-guard and might just induce a truce.