Rude? No thank you!

Picture this: You're at work, rocking your stylish attire and sipping on your latte when suddenly, someone looks at you the wrong way. They’re belittling your ability to work well and insist on taking over the project without even asking if it was ok… Now you’re fuming but you realise this is the best time to kill them with kindness. As human beings, we value respect and positivity, but let's face it, rude encounters are inevitable. Instead of resorting to a passive-aggressive Instagram story or a snarky tweet, it's time to level up the game.

Embrace the Power of Zen
When faced with rudeness, it's easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment and want to challenge that rudeness with yes, rudeness too. Instead, take a deep breath, channel your inner yoga guru, and embrace the power of zen by letting it go. Don’t respond impulsively; pause and collect your thoughts instead. You’ll find that a reply or retort is probably not worth your time so walk away. Sure, you may feel vindicated and it’s valid but reacting with aggression will only escalate the situation. Choose empathy and kindness as your superpowers, even when others seem to have left theirs at home.

The Art of Constructive Communication
Clearly, when faced with rudeness, one would automatically be defensive and take action by being rude back. Try taking a step back and use the other route. When confronted with rudeness, address the issue directly but nicely. Use "I" statements to express how their behaviour made you feel, creating an opportunity for an understanding conversation. Instead of lashing out and saying some things you don’t mean, why not tone it down - for example, when someone says something unnecessarily rude in the groupchat, instead of lashing out, message them personally and tell them what they said was uncalled for such as “hey, I would appreciate it if you said it nicer and was not as rude as you thought you weren’t, thank you.” Remember, confrontations don't have to be opposing - let your open-mindedness and excellent communication skills shine through.

Seek Support from Your #WorkFam
Nobody navigates the workplace alone, and that's where your #WorkFam comes in. Lean on your trusted colleagues for support when faced with rudeness. Share your experience, seek advice, or simply just vent. Also, remember to give support too by offering a listening ear when on the other side of the vent. This can definitely create a supportive and inclusive work environment. In fact, with all that niceness going around, workplace rudeness might not even happen anymore!

Rise Above It
Maintain your professionalism like a boss! Your actions speak louder than words. Keep your cool, focus on your work, and rise above the negativity. Don't let an encounter define your worth or hinder your progress. Your ability to handle difficult situations with grace and maturity will not only earn you respect but also inspire others to do the same.

Remember, it's not about changing others' behaviour when it comes to rudeness - it's about how we choose to react and shape our own experiences. So, the next time someone throws rudeness your way, let your charm shine and show them how true professionals handle adversity. Stay classy, stay you!

Photo by Vie Studio Pexels.