People do seem to have a difficult time getting along sometimes, don't they? The more awkward of a time they have getting along, the worse they seem to behave until your whole department, if not your entire business, feels like one big dysfunctional mess! 

Here are some tips for working with difficult colleagues who can't seem to get along with you and maybe others as well:

Remain Respectful
No matter what conflict you're having, remember that you are supposed to be an adult. Flying off the handle and resorting to schoolyard tactics like yelling and name-calling have no place in the adult world no matter what "reality" TV tells us. Keep your voice calm and avoid being accusatory, especially as a retaliation. No matter how they are behaving, remember that you are dealing with another human being who may have something else going on that is the true source of the problem.

You May Not Be the Problem
Some people are walking drama factories while others simply may be having difficulties elsewhere in their lives and it's spilling over into work. A colleague might become particularly peevish with others due to financial difficulties or even due to the declining health of a family member. Whatever the case, try not to take disagreements personally. They may be lashing out unintentionally. On the other hand...

You May Be the Problem
This is a hard one to face. It requires self-examination and a great deal of honesty. Ask yourself if there's anything you can do to help alleviate the situation without, of course, compromising your own duties and obligations. Recognize that it's entirely possible that it may be something you are doing, maybe even unintentionally, that is causing the problem.

Know When To Walk Away
Sometimes the continuation of a problem isn't worth it. If it isn't getting in the way of your duties and isn't causing a larger problem elsewhere, consider washing your hands of the matter. This isn't the same as giving up. This is simply recognizing that you can't control the other person and nothing you do will make a difference for them. Walking away also means not dwelling on the problem. It means leaving it behind.

Keep Your Reactions In Check
Difficult people can be frustrating, but there is no need to be equally difficult. As they say, "don't let them get your goat." You can't control what they do, but you can control what you do. Don't look to snap back at them. Don't think you can somehow "win" by escalation. Remember that this is just a disagreement with another human being. Remain calm and stick to facts in your disagreement. Accept that it's possible that the other person might not see things your way and you'll just have to "agree to disagree."

In the end, people need to be handled with dignity and respect no matter how frustrating or difficult they are being. They may have their own reasons, or they may not. But throwing gasoline onto their fire isn't going to help. What will help is to continue to treat them with grace and politeness. Whatever is wrong may soon pass, or else they may wonder why they insist on causing trouble with someone who is either just so polite all the time or else who isn't playing along.

And remember: these tips can apply to difficult clients, too!