Have you ever worked with someone who is so bone-on-bone and abrasive that you can’t stand them by mid-day? I’ve worked in a number of companies where it’s obvious that different personalities can’t always come together. Sure, differences in people are good (you gain unique perspectives and ways of thinking) but in so many cases it’s best to like the people you work with.

That’s not always possible, of course, so you have to make the best of it. I try to be light-hearted and animated. That’s a true sign that I, or people around me do not get along with you: I’m showing emotion (see description in header). It’s so easy to get sucked into the negativity that when I can rise above and joke around it sometimes resolves a otherwise awkward situation.

I’m lucky, though.I can be patient and outwardly tolerant of just about anything (aren’t I great?). But, I’ve watched people bicker and struggle with each other. At one of my previous jobs I just sat back and watched a colleague quit within a month of joining. That’s disruptive to everyone. Now, I do my best to contribute to a peaceful environment with jokes and an all-around good attitude.

As lame as it may sound, the act of simply turing the frown upside down may be all it takes to diffuse a tricky situation.