Playing nice at work |

Let's face it, we've all had to work with people we just can't along with but, take comfort, you are not alone. We don't live in a perfect world so office politics is something all of us will need to deal with at one time or another. According to Vicky Oliver, author of Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers & Other Office Idiots, things such as dealing with targets, deadlines, responsibility, pressure and other work-related stresses can strip away the veneer of gentility and make our bosses, colleagues and underlings snap at the most minor provocation.

So is there a secret to getting along with everyone? The best way to deal with these problems, says Oliver, is to not take anything personally. Try to rise above what you perceived to be an insult but was actually a joke. Congratulate a rival for being promoted over you. Forgive a co-worker that went behind your back to consult with your supervisor. Another way to deal with office politics is to accept the fact that people are flawed. You can ignore these flaws or try to deal with them in some way. You, too, will need to learn how to accept criticism by being brutally honest with yourself. If you become less sensitive to the criticisms of others perhaps you will become more sensitive in the way you deliver criticism.

Before considering leaving your job because your coworkers are driving you crazy, take a look at some of these helpful books: